In re the North Dakota Pipeline Co.

OPINION

KLAPHAKE, Judge.*

Relator argues that conducting certificate of need proceedings for a large oil pipeline prior to the completion of an environmental impact statement violates the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). All parties agree that the pipeline is subject to environmental review under MEPA, but this review is set to occur during the routing permit proceedings after a certificate of need has been granted. Because the decision to grant a certificate of need for a large oil pipeline constitutes a major governmental action that has the potential to cause significant…