Dioxide pipelines; issuance of route permit prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Acomb and 16 co-sponsors

The bill blocks any carbon dioxide pipeline in Minnesota from getting a route permit if it’s longer than 1,000 feet or crosses public waters.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Energy Finance and Policy

#pipelines

Summary of HF 5161 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

HF 5161 would prohibit the issuance of a route permit for carbon dioxide pipelines in Minnesota, effectively blocking the construction or operation of new CO2 pipelines that meet the bill’s criteria.

1) Purpose and intent

Establishes a clear restriction on carbon dioxide pipelines by preventing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from issuing route permits for such pipelines in Minnesota.

Prohibits efforts to bypass route selection procedures or seek exemptions from pipeline routing rules for CO2 pipelines.

The bill aims to halt the development of CO2 pipelines that would transport carbon dioxide within Minnesota, particularly those crossing public waters or exceeding a certain length.

2) Key provisions and changes

Definitions (Sec. 1, §216G.025, subdiv. 1)

Defines “carbon dioxide pipeline” as a pipeline located in Minnesota that transports CO2 in any state (liquid, gaseous, or supercritical).
Clarifies “Public waters” per a separate statute (section 103G.005, subdiv. 15).
Retains Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as the relevant authority.
Adds effective date provisions (section language indicates effective the day after final enactment).

Routing permit requirements and prohibitions (Sec. 2, §216G.025, subdiv. 2)

Prohibits constructing or operating a carbon dioxide pipeline without a route permit from the PUC.
Prohibits applicants from seeking a conditional exclusion or partial exemption from pipeline route selection procedures under Minnesota Rules, chapter 7852.
Prohibits the PUC from issuing a permit for a CO2 pipeline that:
Exceeds 1,000 feet in length within Minnesota, or
Travels over, under, or through public waters.
Effective date: day after final enactment.

3) Who/what is affected

Carbon dioxide pipelines located in Minnesota:

Any proposed CO2 pipeline longer than 1,000 feet would be barred from receiving a route permit.
CO2 pipelines crossing public waters would be barred from receiving a route permit.

Potential developers, operators, and applicants seeking route permits for CO2 pipelines in Minnesota.

The PUC as the decision-maker for route permits would be constrained by these prohibitions.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: The act would take effect the day after final enactment (following legislative passage and signing).

Application action: The bill disallows attempts to obtain exemptions or bypass routing procedures, strengthening procedural barriers to CO2 pipeline projects.

The bill’s introduction and first reading occurred May 17, 2026, with a list of sponsors.

5) Notable implications

The bill signals a strong policy stance against CO2 pipelines in Minnesota, particularly for any long routes or those affecting public waters.

By barring route permits for pipelines over 1,000 feet or crossing public waters, the bill would significantly limit or halt development of new CO2 pipeline infrastructure in the state.

Possible downstream effects include impacts on industries seeking carbon capture or transportation solutions and on communities near potential pipeline routes.

If you’d like, I can add a section comparing HF 5161 to existing Minnesota pipeline statutes or provide a brief summary of potential regulatory or economic impacts for affected stakeholders.