Walz’s choice comes after MN Appeals Court dismissed Dayton lawsuit

Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) joined a bipartisan group of Minnesota Legislators in opposing Governor Tim Walz’s decision to oppose the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project via a taxpayer funded lawsuit. This week, Walz announced his decision to re-file a Dayton Administration lawsuit that was recently dismissed, along with five others, by the Minnesota Appeals Court. Last year, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the project unanimously. Walz’s lawsuit directly challenges their approval.

“After an exhaustive four-year review process, enough is enough,” said Senator Koran. “Not only has the Line 3 replacement project been extensively vetted, but it brings high-paying, sustainable jobs to our state. The time is now to replace this line and protect our environment and the safety of Minnesotans by transporting oil in the most secure way possible.”

In his statement explaining his decision to continue the taxpayer funded lawsuit, Governor Walz said projects like Line 3 “don’t only need a building permit to move forward, they also need a social permit.”

“It goes without saying, Governor Walz’s standard of a “social permit” is imaginary,” added Senator Koran. “No one can apply for a “social permit”. No regulatory agency can issue one. This is an impossible standard that our governor can claim is never met. That’s not smart policy, and I encourage him to reconsider his decision and allow for Line 3 to move forward now.”

Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) serves in the Minnesota State Senate and represents District 32, which includes Chisago and Isanti Counties.