Nebraska Farmers Union Supports Historic Community Benefits Agreement

The Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) Board of Directors announced they voted to support an historic “Community Benefits Agreement” between Bold Nebraska and Trailblazer CO2 Pipeline, LLC. NeFU’s grassroots driven state policy on pipelines focuses on the fair and transparent treatment of landowners, first responders, and rural communities by pipeline companies, while not taking a position on carbon pipelines. The signing of the Community Benefits Agreement does not change NeFU’s neutral position on carbon pipelines.

“NeFU’s Board of Directors applauds the groundbreaking efforts of both Bold Nebraska and Trailblazer CO2 Pipeline for coming to the table, negotiating in good faith, and developing an innovative approach that provides substantial new benefits to landowners, first responders, and communities impacted by the pipeline,” said NeFU President John Hansen. “Hopefully, this Community Benefits Agreement will substantially raise the bar for all carbon pipeline companies.”

NeFU believes the Nebraska Legislature and the Public Service Commission have both failed to properly address the new additional health risks posed by carbon pipelines. “Carbon pipelines are new, and pose new health risks. Given the failure of the Public Service Commission and the Legislature to protect landowners, first responders, and rural communities, the historic Community Benefits Agreement is a timely step forward in a positive direction in all three areas,” said NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen.

Hansen and Jantzen noted the NeFU board appreciated Trailblazer’s willingness to accept the management responsibilities if there is a leak or incident.

Hansen said, “This Community Benefits Agreement provides a more clear and transparent process for the use of eminent domain than currently exists. Hopefully, this process should reduce the threat of the use of eminent domain authority as a way to leverage landowners into signing easements, and also reduce the overall use of eminent domain. The more flexible the pipeline company is with the route of the pipeline, the less need there will be for eminent domain.”

Jantzen said, “Thanks to this Community Benefits Agreement, there will be substantial amounts of additional financial support for the purchase of first responder equipment and training, community foundations, and income for landowners. The process for the use of eminent domain is improved. Bold Nebraska and Trailblazer Pipeline deserve credit for raising the bar for carbon pipelines, and bringing new additional financial resources to the table. This Community Benefits Agreement represents a substantial and positive step forward in the right direction.”