On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz’s announced his 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.

Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement in response:

“I am deeply disappointed by Governor Walz’s decision today to appeal a project that Minnesota and communities in my district desperately need.  Line 3 has had almost five years of review, analysis, and permitting and each time approval of the project has been nearly unanimous. While disappointed with the action taken by the Governor today I will continue to stand for and work with the countless Minnesotans from across the state that will benefit from this project being completed.”

Just this week, the Star Tribune reported that safety officials are concerned about 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.

Senator Eichorn has been a long supporter of the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project. A study by the University of Minnesota Duluth determined the project would bring over $2 billion in direct and related spending. Additionally, the project would create an estimated 8,600 jobs, amounting to a payroll of $344 million over two years and an additional $19.5 million in property tax revenue annually.