It is very disappointing to hear that Governor Walz and his administration are going to follow the Dayton administration and appeal of the Certificate of Need for the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement project. 

Enbridge started this project when they filed the Notice Plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) October 24, 2014.  Since that time, we have witnessed the most extensive Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for a pipeline project.  State Agency staff spent 16 months drafting 5000 pages of analysis that was developed in accordance with the law.  The report included the information gathered at 49 public meetings and multiple public comment periods.

After four years and thousands of hours of environmental and cultural study, the Certificate of Need and Route Permit were approved.  In fact, the MPUC unanimously approved the Certificate of Need in June of 2018 and reaffirmed it again in November of 2018.  The MPUC approved the Route Permit in June of 2018 and unanimously reaffirmed it in December of 2018.

This project has received overwhelming support throughout Northern Minnesota.  More than 90 resolutions of support from federal, state, and local elected officials including the majority of the counties on the approved route.  In addition, 98 percent of the landowners whose land would be crossed by this project, have signed easement agreements with Enbridge.

This is a replacement project which means Enbridge is replacing a 60-year-old pipeline with modern technology and safety equipment.   This is not only great for our environment it is also a great project for our state.  The company will be investing $2.6 Billion dollars of private money in our state.  This project will employ thousands of construction workers during the construction process, and our Northern Minnesota residents will see property tax relief due to the property taxes paid by the pipeline.