Setting ourselves apart: Summit's dedication to communities, decarbonization, and the future of SD
During the last two years, since the introduction of Summit Carbon Solutions' carbon capture and sequestration project in South Dakota, many have witnessed our unwavering commitment not only to decarbonization but to the communities we serve.
Born and raised on a farm close to Garner, Iowa, I've personally experienced the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural community.
As CEO, I see the immense potential of carbon capture for South Dakota's economy and the imperative of a sustainable future.
It's in this backdrop that we, at Summit Carbon Solutions, operate in every day.The figures speak for themselves: 73% of the Right of Way (ROW) secured in South Dakota is tangible proof of our commitment to infrastructure and community needs.
Behind each easement are hours of negotiations, addressing concerns, thousands of reroutes, and tending to individual needs of landowners. The heart of our operations is undeniably the community. Ensuring its welfare, progress, and collaboration is paramount to every decision we make.
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A testament to our dedication to community collaboration is our partnership with the GEVO plant, a symbol of the seamless integration of carbon capture, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) realization, and energy production in South Dakota. SAF's success hinges on Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). We’ve also partnered with eight ethanol plants in South Dakota. The state produces 1.3 billion gallons of ethanol, consuming 460 million bushels of corn every year.
Once our project is operational, our plant partners estimate a 30% increase in energy output.
While the numbers are impressive, our proudest achievement is the depth of our community engagement. Before any mandatory PUC meetings were called, we were on the ground, hosting town halls, making sure landowners were informed, involved, and genuinely listened to from the outset.
Our community outreach didn't stop there.
With seven safety tour events and 2,200 landowner invitations sent out, we reaffirmed our dedication to the community's safety and welfare.
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Our openness to dialogue stands out strikingly. Since March 2021, our record of more than 670 communications, 271 in-person meetings, and 49 quarterly updates with South Dakota County Commissioners attests to our commitment to transparent and continuous communication.
For us, ensuring local voices resonate through every phase of our operations is critical.We also want to reiterate our willingness to work hand-in-hand with local bodies.
As the landscape evolves, so does our commitment. Respecting the counties' wishes, we're ready to ensure a viable path forward for our route, collaboratively navigating challenges, and envisioning a prosperous future together.
As we move forward, our unwavering dedication to communities, safety, environmental sustainability, and the agricultural economy of South Dakota will remain at the forefront of our operations. Summit Carbon Solutions is not just a company; it's a community-centric initiative, setting new standards in collaboration, transparency, and dedication for South Dakota’s sustainable energy future.
Lee Blank is CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Setting ourselves apart: Summit's dedication to communities, decarbonization, and the future of SD
