ST. PAUL, MN—Representatives Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, and Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, joined more than three dozen legislators urging DFL Governor Mark Dayton to instruct the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Public Utilities Commission to move forward with the proposed Enbridge Line 3 Replacement project. The aging pipeline was ordered replaced by the federal government during the Obama administration, and has been subject to unprecedented public review and comment. The letter notes that the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Public Utilities Commission have consistently exceeded statutory and regulatory timeframes which has added unnecessary delays to the critical project.
“Governor Dayton and the PUC need to allow the Line 3 Replacement project to move forward and stop drawing out the regulatory permitting process. This important project will have a positive impact on our economy here in Northwest Minnesota, including the creation of more good-paying jobs and tax revenue for our communities,” said Rep. Fabian. “Let’s get this done.”
Replacement of the Line 3 Pipeline will mean more than $3 billion in private investment and create thousands of good-paying jobs along the route. The letter also raised concerns over the risk to the environment if the line is not replaced.
"Not only will this project give a boost the economy in our part of the state, but it will also ensure that we make critical improvements to this pipeline to protect our water and environment,” added Rep. Kiel. “We have heard from the public, examined the merits of this project and now the state needs to act and allow the Line 3 Replacement Pipeline to move forward.”
With the Environmental Impact Statement now complete, the project has now cleared all relevant procedural hurdles including the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). A final decision, to be made by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner, is expected next spring.