(ST PAUL, MN) — The proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline continued to gain more approvals on Thursday as the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the company’s route permit for the project.
The approval from the Minnesota PUC is for 28 miles of the company’s proposed near 2,500-mile long project across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota that would capture and ship carbon dioxide emissions from 57 ethanol plants in the five states to an underground storage facility in North Dakota. The approval is for the route to run through parts of Otter Tail and Wilkin counties in Minnesota.
“We thank the Minnesota PUC for their thorough and diligent review of our project,” said Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions in a company statement on Thursday. “This decision underscores the importance of balancing economic opportunities for local communities with environmental stewardship. We remain committed to working collaboratively with landowners and stakeholders to ensure the successful and responsible development of this project.”
This decision by the Minnesota PUC follows the approval of Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline permits in Iowa and North Dakota, and a refiling of its South Dakota permit application, marking significant progress for the multi-state project.
American Carbon Alliance CEO Tom Buis issued the following statement in response to the new approval by the Minnesota PUC saying “with today’s announcement, the Minnesota Utilities Commission has prioritized the advancement of projects that contribute to both environmental stewardship and economic growth. By supporting initiatives like the Summit Pipeline, we can position Minnesota, and the Midwest, as a leader in responsible energy practices, strengthen America’s energy independence, and boost farmers’ profitability.”
The project has faced its share of hurdles in the courts and pushback from various landowners across the Midwest due to concerns about the use of eminent domain. Summit Carbon Solutions says it plans to begin construction in early 2026, with operations on the pipeline starting in 2027.