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For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2022
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Contact: Cori Rude-Young
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Telephone: 651-201-2241
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Fax: 651-297-7073
Web: www.mn.gov/puc
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MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION CONFIRMS AUTHORITY OVER CARBON DIXOIDE PIPELINES AND INITIATES RULEMAKING
St. Paul, Minnesota — Today the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously voted they have existing authority to permit the siting of carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines, including the two multi-state pipelines currently in development. This decision addresses the growing regional demand to capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants and transport via pipeline.
Minnesota statutes require pipelines that transport hazardous liquids and gas to obtain PUC permits prior to construction. The PUC decision asserts that carbon dioxide is a toxic or corrosive gas, therefore subject to the PUC’s existing regulatory authority.
“We heard broad-based support for PUC oversight of carbon pipelines from a variety of commenters, including tribal governments, labor unions, environmental groups and citizens” said Chair Katie Sieben. “Minnesotans depend on regulatory agencies, like the PUC, to ensure the permitting process for CO2 pipelines will provide for an orderly review of environmental and socioeconomic impacts when evaluating proposed routes.”
This determination by the PUC means the proposed CO2 pipeline projects slated for Minnesota, Midwest Carbon Express and Heartland Greenway, need to apply to the PUC for a route permit in order to move forward in Minnesota. These permitting processes will have opportunities for public participation and review.
The PUC also directed its staff to begin a rulemaking to make its rules consistent with state and federal regulations. Commission staff will file a Request for Comments in the State Register, which will provide another opportunity for public engagement.
About
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
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