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REP. JEREMY MUNSON STATEMENT ON PUC APPROVAL OF ENBRIDGE ENERGY’S LINE 3 PROJECT

Monday, February 3, 2020

ST. PAUL, MN – Rep. Jeremy Munson issued a statement today about the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approval of the environmental impact statement for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 project. The project aims to replace an existing 60-year-old pipeline that runs through northern Minnesota. 

Rep. Jeremy Munson said, “This pipeline has been held up by green energy activists for over a year, stifling $2.1 Billion in private investment, compromising public safety and preventing the creation of many new great paying construction jobs in an area that badly needs them.” “Moreover,” he continued, “banning or restricting fossil fuels does not work and is already costing ratepayers and taxpayers all over Minnesota. Although there are still obstacles to overcome, I call on the MPCA and the DNR to move quickly and approve the remaining permits.”  

Last June, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the environmental impact statement was not sufficient because it did not discuss the impacts of a potential oil spill. Further research found that it is unlikely a discharge would be able to reach Lake Superior.

The Enbridge 3 pipeline, which carries crude oil from the Canadian tar sands across the northern part of the state — was formally proposed in 2015 and approved by the Obama administration. It was meant to replace the existing pipeline, which is only being run at 50 percent capacity for fear of catastrophic failure. 

The new line will carry 760,000 barrels of oil each day from Alberta to Superior, WI.

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