Minnesota PUC says it has authority to regulate CO2 pipelines

In Minnesota, 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.