STATEMENT FROM MINNESOTANS FOR LINE 3 ABOUT THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY DECISION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A CONTESTED CASE PROCESS FOR KEY PERMITS FOR THE LINE 3 REPLACEMENT PROJECT

June 3, 2020

“The thousands of members of Minnesotans for Line 3 who live in communities along the Line 3 route today feel upset and misled by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s decision to not move this project forward and instead use the unnecessary contested case process for these important permits.

The same agency that earlier this year issued draft permits for Line 3 and today has dramatically changed its mind in a way that will create another needless delay.

Instead of following the rules and the process that that the MPCA has employed for years, they are now changing direction and creating another new hurdle for the project.

The process to replace Line 3 began some 5 years ago and has passed every test and met every standard.

Line 3 is already the most studied pipeline project in Minnesota history. The MPCA’s decision will add even more needless review at a time when Minnesota needs leadership, jobs, investment, and the confidence that our state can move forward.

There have already been too many delays for a project that will protect the environment and lift our communities and economy at such a critically important time for Minnesota.”

We can’t afford to wait any longer for Line 3

“It’s long overdue for those making decisions in this state to pause and look at the facts. We cannot afford another appeal. Too much time and taxpayer dollars have been used to repeatedly determine that Line 3 is necessary.

If we do not approve Line 3 and get started soon, the people of Minnesota will deserve an explanation about why the most studied pipeline project in our state’s history – that literally checks every box – was stalled at a time when our economy needs it so much.”

Rich Siegert, Rochester Post Bulletin

Minnesota needs Line 3 project

“Let’s get one thing clear: Minnesota needs Line 3.

Replacing Line 3 will bring thousands of jobs to our state at a time when we desperately need it. While our legislature stalls on a bonding bill and other forms of relief, how about Governor Walz and his administration making an easy decision to stop delaying a project that will bring thousands of jobs to northern Minnesota?”

Craig Gaasvig, Grand Forks Herald

Nearly six years to replace Line 3 is too long

“My family has farmed in Clearwater County for 85 years. As farmers, we take pride in our land and work hard to take care of the soil and water around us. We also take very seriously planning our farming operations, including rotating our crops and maintaining our equipment.

For 48 years, we’ve hosted six pipelines on our property and have always had a good relationship with the company. In 2014, we received a letter from Enbridge about the company’s intention to replace its Line 3 pipeline. Since that initial letter, we’ve worked with Enbridge on the easement for the replacement pipe and have considered our farming plans to accommodate construction.”

Brian Emmel, Bemidji Pioneer

Support Minnesotans by supporting Line 3

“In trying times like these, you would think local governments would try to work together to get things done. The fact of the matter is, they can’t — or they won’t. The gridlock in our state house is at an all-time high, and neither side seems willing to concede anything to the other. You would think they would care more about the people than these political chess matches; but for the most part, that’s not the case. Minnesota needs jobs more than ever — as well as the hope that things can get better. As we struggle with COVID19, the changes it has forced upon us have left too many of our businesses to drop like flies, with more people applying for unemployment every day.”

Dave Langfeld, Duluth News Tribune

Letters to the Editor Supporting Line 3:

We can’t afford to wait any longer for Line 3

Minnesota needs Line 3 project

Nearly six years to replace Line 3 is too long

Support Minnesotans by supporting Line 3

Stay Informed:
Be the first to know about Line 3 news as it happens by joining the Minnesotans for Line 3 email list.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!