Bill > SB0823

This bill amends existing Michigan law to regulate pipelines, specifically by excluding carbon capture and sequestration projects from certain regulations and establishing conditions for the approval of carbon dioxide pipelines. It defines "carbon dioxide capture project" and "carbon dioxide sequestration project" by referencing other state laws, and clarifies that a "carbon dioxide pipeline" is one that transports carbon dioxide, including from capture to sequestration sites. The bill requires that any person constructing or operating a pipeline for crude oil, petroleum, or carbon dioxide substances must obtain approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which will conduct this review as a formal contested case. To gain approval, applicants must submit extensive information, including the project's purpose and needs, market conditions, anticipated benefits, analysis of alternatives, detailed routing and construction plans, engineering and operating specifications, safety compliance statements, emergency response plans, and for carbon dioxide pipelines, a risk-based assessment and chemical safety contingency plan. The MPSC will approve an application only if it determines the public need outweighs adverse impacts, the pipeline is reasonably designed and routed with minimal environmental harm, the applicant meets safety and financial qualifications, and for carbon dioxide pipelines, specific buffer zones around populated areas, facilities, and sensitive environmental sites are maintained. Additionally, operators of carbon dioxide pipelines will be subject to an annual fee based on pipeline length, with funds directed to a carbon dioxide sequestration fund. This bill is contingent on the enactment of several other related bills.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-SB-0823