This bill prohibits the state Public Utilities Commission from issuing route permits for carbon dioxide pipelines that are longer than 1,000 feet or that cross, go under, or pass through public waters. It directly affects companies seeking to build or operate these pipelines in Minnesota by requiring them to obtain a permit for any project, while simultaneously banning applications for exemptions from standard route selection procedures. The legislation defines a carbon dioxide pipeline as any line transporting the substance in liquid, gaseous, or supercritical states within the state and sets these specific restrictions into law immediately upon enactment.
HF 252 increases the customer threshold for small natural gas utilities to qualify for exemption from Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulation, raising it from 650 to 2,500 customers served within a municipality. This change directly affects small natural gas utilities serving 2,500 or fewer customers, allowing them to operate without direct PUC oversight for their municipal service. However, these utilities must still file rate changes with the PUC for services outside municipal borders and comply with cold weather disconnection policies. The bill maintains the existing 5,000 total customer cap across all service areas and requires annual submission of municipally approved rates to the PUC.
HF 484 prohibits local governments (like cities or counties) from banning new natural gas hookups in residential construction after July 1, 2025. It directly affects local regulations and residential builders by preventing municipalities from requiring all-electric new homes. The bill requires that new residential units must allow natural gas connections, removing local authority to restrict this energy source. It applies only to new construction, not existing homes or other building types. The law takes effect the day after it is enacted.
HF 483 prohibits local governments (like cities or counties) from banning natural gas or propane hookups to any building. It directly affects municipalities that might have tried to restrict these energy services through local ordinances, as well as building owners and utility companies seeking connections. The bill explicitly bans any local rule that prevents utilities from connecting, reconnecting, or supplying natural gas or propane to buildings. This creates a statewide standard, ensuring consistent access to these energy sources regardless of local restrictions. The policy change takes effect immediately after the bill is enacted.
This bill prohibits local governments (cities, counties, etc.) from banning natural gas or propane hookups to buildings. It stops political subdivisions from adopting rules that prevent utilities from connecting, reconnecting, or supplying gas/propane to any building. The law directly affects local governments that might have considered restricting gas access and ensures utilities can provide these services without local barriers. It takes effect the day after enactment.
