Minnesota Latino Advocates Say Healthy Choice Needed on Natural Gas Hook Ups

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Minnesota regulators could decide next year on one component of major policy shifts concerning natural gas infrastructure. A coalition pushing for a different approach is raising a seldom-used argument as they envision healthier homes for Latino residents.

As part of its Future of Gas proceedings, the Public Utilities Commission is weighing whether to phase out gas line extension allowances, where current ratepayers cover the cost of connecting new developments to these systems.

This concept has been around for decades, but the Clean Heat Minnesota coalition says it’s outdated when considering the state’s climate goals.

Monse Perez Barrios, environmental justice advocate with Communities Organizing Latino Power and Action (COPAL), said these regulatory debates often come down to dollars and cents. As important as that is, she said she hopes commissioners think more about the health impacts.