Kathleen Campbell, a research professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, recently found herself in the thick of a battle to protect her property and, simultaneously, the health and safety of her community. Campbell successfully led a campaign against the construction of a carbon dioxide pipeline that was set to cut through her property. The pipeline project, proposed by Navigator CO2 Ventures, brought with it the threat of seizure of Campbell’s property through eminent domain.
The proposed construction of the pipeline was eventually cancelled, however, it was not Campbell’s opposition alone that led to this outcome. The unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved in the project’s approval also played a significant role in its eventual cancellation.
Campbell’s opposition to the project was not baseless or trivial. Her concerns were rooted in health and safety, especially given a past incident where a CO2 pipeline rupture in rural Mississippi led to the hospitalization of 45 people. The risks were real, and the dangers, tangible.
The controversial pipeline that Campbell opposed was not an isolated project. It was part of a larger carbon capture and storage initiative, which has garnered support from the Biden administration. However, these initiatives have not been without critics. Detractors argue that such carbon capture and storage initiatives are expensive and unproven. They also raise concerns that these initiatives, instead of moving us towards cleaner energy sources, could potentially extend the use of fossil fuels.
Despite her successful campaign against the pipeline through her property, Campbell is not resting on her laurels. She continues her fight against similar pipeline projects. Currently, she is opposing another CO2 pipeline proposal between Iowa and Illinois. Campbell’s advocacy work goes beyond opposition; she is also actively advocating for safer climate solutions.
Kathleen Campbell’s story serves as a reminder that individual action and relentless advocacy can make a difference. It also underscores the importance of considering health and safety concerns, not just economic or political interests, in the push towards a more sustainable future.
