RELEASE: Statement from Chair Fabian on PUC Meeting Cancellation

ST. PAUL, MN—Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, Chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement regarding protests at today's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) meeting that ultimately led to the meeting's cancellation. The commission was expected to vote today on whether Enbridge had met the conditions set earlier this year in order for Enbridge to receive the next permit for the Line 3 replacement project, but protesters disrupted the meeting and ultimately forced its cancellation. A video of the disruptions can be found on Facebook here.

"I was deeply disappointed and angered to hear that protesters were allowed to disrupt, verbally assault, and ultimately force the cancelation of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) meeting today. Minnesota is better than this nonsense. I call on the Dayton Administration, the PUC, and local law enforcement to do whatever necessary to prevent disruptions like this from happening in the future. While I fully support the right of people to voice their opinion in opposition to the project, regulators and regulated parties must be able to go through this process without being shouted down, bullied, and harassed. The process for upgrading Line 3 has been – and is going to continue to be – a long one. We as Minnesotans need to demand civility and respect as things move forward."

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