On Tuesday, April 17, bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand 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 Eichorn issued the following statement:

“Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 Replacement Project is a critical component to sustaining economic viability in Northern Minnesota. The project, which has broad support from the people in our area, will create good-paying jobs, generate revenue for our local communities, and revitalize the northern region of the state.  Enbridge has spent years developing the project, working with the PUC, the Department of Commerce and thousands of locals to ensure that the replacement line benefits Minnesota both environmentally and economically. It’s time for us to stop the delays and give them the green light for the people of Minnesota.”

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.