NISSWA, MN—Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, 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 time frames which has added unnecessary delays to the critical project.
"Enbridge has provided well-paying jobs to folks in Greater Minnesota and a safe way to transport oil across the state without hurting our natural resources," said Rep. Heintzeman. "Finishing the Line 3 Replacement Project will provide tax revenue and family-supporting jobs to our rural communities."
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.
"This replacement project is so important, not only because of the jobs it provides, but because it ensures the safe transportation of oil throughout the state," Rep. Heintzeman 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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