ST. PAUL, MN—State Representative Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook, 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.
"Those of us in Northern Minnesota have waited long enough and Governor Walz's decision to continue to put roadblocks in front of Line 3 does nothing to help those in our part of the state," said Rep. Grossell. "This project has cleared every environmental hurdle put in front of it, will bring much-needed jobs to our area—keeping workers close to home, and the pipeline is the safest way to move oil to market. We need to get it done."
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.
"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," added Republican Leader Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. "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."
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