Intervening. Navigator Heartland Greenway LLC is asking the Commission for approval to construct and operate its pipeline system in Illinois and, if and when necessary, to take and acquire easements and interest in private property through the exercise of eminent domain, as provided in the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act. Intervention in the ICC proceedings engages Xxxxx Xxxxx to prepare for and represent the interests of CAHGP’s members. Such members own, use and/or enjoy land currently designated as part of or in proximity to the primary and lateral routes of Navigator’s proposed carbon dioxide pipeline, or will be impacted financially or in other ways, if the pipeline is installed and becomes operational. These impacts are real, and include threats to human lives and livestock; damage to farms and farm infrastructure that affects yield; reduced property values within a mile or more of the carbon pipeline; increased costs to townships, counties, and communities who must purchase equipment to respond to a pipeline rupture (including air supply respirators and electric vehicles), and repair roadways damaged by heavy equipment associated with pipeline construction; and more. Costs. Citizens Against Heartland Greenway Pipeline is seeking members to help pay for costs associated with intervention. Group representation offers legal services at a fraction of the cost otherwise likely to be incurred. Membership is open to individuals, organizations, and local units of government who support the purpose of CAHGP and are willing to participate in intervention and cost-sharing to stop the pipeline. While we encourage intervenors to support this initiative by paying more than the minimum membership required, all membership fees are $500, and must be renewed annually to continue representation. Annual renewals will be based on the calendar quarter the membership was received, and must be paid in the first month of the quarter in order to maintain representation and Member privileges. For example, memberships received in the first quarter of the calendar year (January through March) must be renewed in January of the following year; and memberships received in the second quarter of a calendar year (April through June) must be renewed in April of the following year.
