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EVs and $9,000 Air Tanks: Iowa First Responders Fear the Dangers—and Costs—of CO2 Pipelines
County officials say they’d need millions of dollars to buy the equipment required to safely carry out rescue operations amid a CO2 pipeline rupture, which can suffocate people and stall engines. But who’s going to pay?
By Kristoffer Tigue
From outdated equipment and evacuation plans to a lack of personnel and training, some Iowa first responders say they would be unable to safely carry out rescue operations in the case of a major carbon dioxide pipeline rupture. Many Iowans fear such a disaster is increasingly likely as developers, spurred by more than $12 billion in federal incentives, propose to build lengthy CO2 pipelines across the Midwest.
Related Knowledge Center: Pipelines
State of Play
Advocates of rapid action to address climate change face worldwide plans for a significant increase in pipeline capacity, likely committing nations to expanded use of natural gas and oil.