RELEASE: Statement from House GOP Leader Daudt on Walz Line 3 Challenge

ST. PAUL, MN—House Republican Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, issued the following statement regarding Governor Tim Walz's decision to proceed with efforts to challenge the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline. The petition for reconsideration challenges the unanimous decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to grant the certificate of need for the pipeline.

"Governor Walz campaigned on a vision of "One Minnesota," but he is throwing up unnecessary roadblocks that once again delay jobs for Minnesota laborers and property tax revenue for communities across northern Minnesota," Daudt said. "The Governor is choosing today to stand on the side of extreme environmentalists who occupy his office, shut down meetings, and commit felonies because they refuse to accept that pipelines are the safest way to transport oil."

Just this week, the Star Tribune reported that safety officials are concerned by increased oil train traffic coming in from Canada. The article specifically cited "pipeline limbo" as a factor that is partially to blame for the increase in rail traffic.

"Minnesotans are waiting for these jobs. Minnesota communities are waiting for this property tax revenue. Minnesota needs this project. Let's get it done," Daudt concluded.

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