Protect Pipestone National Monument
/Respond by Monday, June 22, at 4:30 p.m.
Magellan Pipeline Co. is seeking permission from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to rebuild a section of petroleum pipeline near the Pipestone National Monument. Our indigenous relatives are asking for our support to protect the area. You can help by submitting your opinion to the PUC during the public comment period, which ends Monday, June 22, at 4:30 p.m. surrounding the Pipestone National Monument by participating in the public comment period which ends June 22 at 4:30 pm.
Suggested comments for Docket 23-109 include:
“I oppose the Magellan Pipeline reroute permit. I support the No Build alternative. We need to protect the Pipestone National Monument and the sacred quarries.
“The current cultural survey is incomplete and unacceptable. Instead of working with the Minnesota India Affairs Council, Magellan chose their own survey contractor. Deny this permit.”
Background
The original pipeline pumped diesel, gas, and jet fuel through the Pipestone National Monument, but in 2022 the Department of the Interior declined to renew its right-of-way permit.
Currently, two alternative routes are being considered.
PUC ordered Magellan to conduct a thorough cultural and archaeological review of those routes and to coordinate with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC), a state government agency, to ensure it hires a culturally competent contractor. Tribal governments and the MIAC say that hasn’t happened.
On May 29, 2026, White Earth Nation in northern Minnesota voted to formally oppose the pipeline and demand the PUC find Magellan’s archaeological and cultural survey as non-compliant.
