A pending regulatory decision over how gas companies recoup the cost of connecting new buildings to natural gas lines could foreshadow a much larger, looming question about the future of gas in Minnesota.

Natural gas is the primary fuel used to heat buildings in Minnesota. It’s also a potent greenhouse gas. When burned, it emits fewer emissions than coal, but widespread leaks from drilling sites, pipelines and appliances result in pollution that traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide.

Since 2021, Minnesota utility companies and regulators have been discussing how gas companies will comply with Minnesota’s goal of achieving net-zero climate emissions by 2050. Those proceedings, known as the Future of Gas docket, are ongoing with Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy and Minnesota Energy R

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