ST. PAUL, MN -- Rep. Brian Daniels (R-Faribault) joined more than three dozen legislators urging 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.
“Enbridge has been a staple in Minnesota’s economy for decades. They have provided good-paying jobs for many Minnesotans, as well as safe and efficient ways to transport oil,” said Daniels. “The completion of the Line 3 Replacement Project will help provide greater tax revenue for many local communities across our state.”
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.
“It’s important that this project be completed as soon as possible to ensure continued safe transportation of oil throughout the state.” Rep. Daniels concluded.
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.
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