St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) formally accepted Summit Carbon Solution’s route permit application for a carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline that will stretch 28 miles from the Green Plains Ethanol Plant near Fergus Falls, Minn. to Breckenridge, and into North Dakota. Accepting the application as complete begins the permitting process that will involve many opportunities for public engagement as the record is developed. The Commission also ordered the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the most comprehensive form of environmental review under state rules.
This is the first CO2 pipeline to seek a permit in Minnesota and has generated significant interest. The Commission heard from hundreds of citizens, landowners, Tribal representatives, labor organizations, and other stakeholders asking for a more environmental analysis.
“We had a lot of conversation and heard from many groups and individuals wanting to make sure the state got this process right,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben. “With this being the first carbon pipeline in Minnesota, the Commission wants to ensure we are setting a process that is thorough, transparent, and protective.”
An EIS comprehensively describes and analyzes a project that may have significant impacts to the environment and compares it to project alternatives. An EIS also has multiple opportunities for public participation.
According to Chair Sieben, “The Commission wants to ensure there is thorough environmental review and robust public input. Ordering an EIS is the best way to get that.”
In September, Summit Carbon filed for a permit for a liquid carbon dioxide pipeline - the Otter Tail to Wilkin Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Project. This pipeline is part of a $4.5 billion project to collect carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota and store the CO2 underground in North Dakota.
More information on the project and how to sign up for project notifications is on the Commission’s website.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
