Pipeline bill headed to Senate
Mississippi is losing millions of dollars because access to a network of carbon dioxide-carrying pipelines is closed.
That’s the claim made by advocates of a bill in the Mississippi Senate, which if passed, would require any intrastate pipeline built by a private company, in part, by declaring eminent domain, to open up the line for public use.
The bill defines such intrastate pipelines as “common carriers.” With other companies able to access those lines, property owners containing carbon dioxide reserves not only conceivably would see higher royalty rates paid for their mineral rights, but rejuvenate mature oil deposits in the state, inviting investment that would create jobs and revenue streams.
“This is really a bill that is keeping a promise made 30 years ago, and that is if we grant eminent domain to these pipelines, it’s for the development and the better interest of Mississippi and its residents,” said Bruce Monroe, one of two mineral rights owners/businessmen at a Monday afternoon news conference at the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport in support of Senate Bill 2568.
Hattiesburg American
2/12/14
Magnolia Tribune
