North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum considered for Trump's VP pick endorsing a CO2 pipeline supported by Biden administration

BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum finds himself embroiled in a contentious $5.5 billion carbon dioxide pipeline project within his state, away from the national political spotlight. The pipeline, aligned with President Biden's climate change agenda, has sparked division among North Dakotans and placed Burgum in a delicate position between Trump's anti-regulation stance and Biden's environmental policies. Despite Burgum's denial of climate change implications, concerns over potential CO2 usage for oil drilling and land ownership disputes have intensified opposition to the Summit project. Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the pipeline, has faced backlash over alleged strong-arm tactics to secure easements, triggering fears of a catastrophic CO2 release in case of a rupture. Burgum's support for the pipeline has drawn criticism from locals like Brian Bitner and Gaylen Dewing, who question his environmental commitment while backing Trump's anti-regulatory stance. The project's impact on fossil fuel usage and land rights has further fueled the controversy, with landowners like Swenson issuing warnings against unauthorized land acquisition attempts. Despite Summit's progress in securing agreements along the pipeline route, opposition remains strong, with concerns over the project's long-term implications on fossil fuel dependency and environmental risks. Burgum's ties to the energy industry and potential role in boosting campaign donations have added complexity to the situation, as he navigates the political landscape in North Dakota. With key decisions looming for the pipeline's future, Burgum's stance on the project and its alignment with state interests continue to be scrutinized amidst the ongoing debate over climate change and energy policies.