On Tuesday, April 17, bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) passed the Senate’s Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee. The bill, SF 3510, authorizes the construction of Enbridge’s Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project.

Senator Utke issued the following statement:

“Initially built in the 1960s, Enbridge’s Line 3 has deteriorated to the point that it can only safely operate at 50 percent of its original capacity. Enbridge has spent years developing this new project and has worked with the people of northern Minnesota and multiple state agencies to do what is best for our region. It’s now time that we cut through the red tape and allow Enbridge to proceed and replace the line with one that will significantly-enhanced safety standards and environmental protections and provide more than a two billion dollar economic benefit to the state.”

The proposed project would replace the current 1,031 miles of pipeline with the newest, safest, and most advanced pipeline technology while bringing jobs and significant investments to northern Minnesota. As it stands, the original pipeline only operates at half capacity due to concern over the integrity and safety of the aging line. Upon completion, the international project will increase North American oil production helping to meet the domestic demand and lowering energy costs across the continent.