Tallgrass’ 392-Mile Trailblazer Pipeline to Begin CO₂ Transport from Nebraska to Wyoming

Tallgrass Energy is set to launch its $1.5 billion Trailblazer CO₂ pipeline across Nebraska, linking ethanol plants to Wyoming storage.

A $1.5 billion carbon dioxide pipeline is preparing to begin operations across Nebraska, with developers also rolling out a community benefits program tied directly to the project, according to the Nebraska Examiner.

Tallgrass Energy said this week that its repurposed Trailblazer natural gas line will now carry CO₂ from ethanol plants in Nebraska and Iowa to a sequestration site in Wyoming. The system stretches 392 miles through Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa and Wyoming, with initial shipments expected soon from the first of 11 ethanol plants connected to the network.

Alongside the launch, Tallgrass is contributing $500,000 to the Trailblazer Community Investment Fund, managed by the Nebraska Community Foundation. Over the next decade, the fund is expected to distribute more than $7 million to support rural organizations in 31 counties, including early childhood programs, elder care facilities, and food pantries.

The program was negotiated in partnership with Bold Nebraska, an advocacy group that had previously opposed the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Jane Kleeb, Bold Nebraska’s founder, said the deal shows that rural communities “deserve to benefit from the projects that impact them — whether that’s sharing in profits, investing in social services, or simply having a seat at the project’s decision-making table,” as reported by the Nebraska Examiner.

Tallgrass officials say the pipeline is designed to lower the carbon intensity of ethanol, potentially boosting its role in new markets such as sustainable aviation fuel. “It’s going to put Nebraska ethanol into a league of its own,” said Steven Davidson, a Tallgrass spokesman.

Jeff Yost, president and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, said the fund will target pressing challenges in rural areas. More than 230 community groups have been identified as eligible for support.