Primghar, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — The debate over carbon pipelines is intensifying across Northwest Iowa, as landowners in O’Brien, Clay, and other area counties continue to speak up.

The issue was front-and-center at this week’s O’Brien County Supervisor meeting in Primghar, where several landowners voiced their concerns. The supervisors are currently reviewing the county’s legal position on the Summit Carbon project.

This local debate reflects the current landscape, where many county officials feel they’re unable to take direct action. It’s part of a larger, statewide fight, which is why the Iowa Counties Association is appealing a case to protect ‘Home Rule’ and a county’s right to make local zoning decisions.

In other business, the O’Brien County supervisors certified most of the results from the November 4th election. Winners were declared for city races in Archer, Calumet, Hartley, Paullina, Primghar, Sanborn, and Sutherland.

Final results for Sheldon’s city election and the H-M-S, Sheldon, and South O’Brien school boards are still pending. Those results are expected to be finalized on November 18th, once totals from adjoining counties are received.

The board also approved a new plan to create a county-level fund to manage unemployment claims, instead of relying on the state.