New Project in Decatur blows another $67 million in taxpayer money

A new project in Decatur could be the first step in slowing down global warming. Geologists got the go-ahead from the EPA last week to begin building a pipeline that would store carbon dioxide emissions from ADM's plant underground.

Geologists say if it works, it could also boost the biofuels industry across the nation. The 85 million dollar project just got the go-ahead from the EPA.

This is how it would work: The carbon dioxide from ADM's ethanol plant would go into the ground and be stored in rock instead of going into the atmosphere. The hope is to study how the process helps the environment and then to spread it to other plants like ADM.

"There are very few projects of this sort in the world today. We would call this a large scale pilot test, or a demonstration of the technology," said geologist Robert Finley.

The federal government is paying for 67 million dollars from the 85 million dollar price tag. The rest of the parties involved, as well as the state, will foot the rest of the bill. Construction could start in February.