On Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted 5-0 to approve the environmental review of Enbridge’s proposed new crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, deeming the environmental impact statement (EIS) for Enbridge’s proposed new Line 3 to be “adequate.”

Sen. Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:

“Over the past four years Enbridge has worked collaboratively with the Department of Commerce to develop a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study that would meet the merit of the PUC and benefit Minnesota both environmentally and economically,” said Sen. Justin Eichorn  “This process has been rigorous and has included over 1,500 meetings with local stakeholders along with ample opportunity for Minnesotans to share their input. After some tweaking following the December decision, the project is now environmentally sound and ready to proceed.”

“With only one final hurdle, the state of Minnesota is just mere months away from development of a project that will revitalize northern region of our state and provide Minnesota over $2 billion in total economic impact.”

The next challenge for the economically critical pipeline is scheduled for June when the PUC is scheduled to decide on a “certificate of need” for the project — essentially giving it the green light or killing it.