Gas Company Plans Pipeline Swap in Midwest
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Notice
Summary
Northern Natural Gas Company plans to retire an old pipeline and build new ones in Iowa and Minnesota to boost natural gas capacity by over 79,000 dekatherms daily. The government will review the environmental impact and expects to finish this by the end of 2026. This affects local communities and energy users, aiming for smoother, stronger gas service without surprises on timing or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Pipeline adds 79,303 dekatherms/day
Northern Natural Gas Company’s project would add 79,303 dekatherms per day of incremental firm natural gas service by building new pipeline segments in Iowa and Minnesota. The project replaces capacity lost from abandoning 131 miles of 16‑inch pipeline and includes specific new pipeline mileage and facilities in those states.
Landowner compensation and property concerns
Three landowners submitted comments raising concerns about compensation, diminution of property value, agricultural and structural effects, and the extent and duration of construction and restoration. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says all substantive comments on these topics will be addressed in the Environmental Assessment.
Environmental review schedule and comment period
FERC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Project, issuing the EA on October 2, 2026, with a 30-day public comment period, and a 90-day federal authorization decision deadline of December 31, 2026. If the schedule changes, FERC will provide additional notice.
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Key Dates
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