How would not replacing Line 3 impact Minnesota’s economy?
Line 3 plays an important part in Minnesota’s economy both directly and indirectly. It directly supports jobs at two oil refineries while supporting a number of communities across Minnesota through property tax revenues it generates. Indirectly, the energy it brings to Minnesota is used to help people and businesses across Minnesota live, work, and thrive.
Minnesota’s economy would be negatively impacted if Line 3 were not replaced. It will likely result in higher prices for fuel that will make it even harder for people already facing significant economic challenges to comfortably live.
The Institute for Energy Research has concluded that “Without sufficient pipeline capacity, consumers could face energy shortages and skyrocketing prices.” This limited capacity has an impact on Minnesotans, who use over 12.8 million gallons of petroleum products every day for vehicles of all kinds, from cars and trucks to planes, boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles. As transportation of oil by rail is less efficient than by pipeline, the added cost to delivery by rail can get passed on to refineries, and then to consumers. In addition, higher transportation costs also transfer to the cost of consumer goods.
Replacing Line 3 will restore it to its full capacity, reducing the need to rely on the more expensive rail transportation.
Additionally, by not replacing Line 3 it results in Minnesotans missing out on the economic boost from the project, which includes:
- A private investment of $2.6 billion
- An annual increase in property taxes of $19.5 million for communities along the route
- 8,600 quality jobs
- Boosts to economies along the route
From increased consumer costs to missing out on jobs, tax revenue, and boosts to local economies, not replacing Line 3 would have a negative economic impact on Minnesota.
Additional Information:
The Truth about Line 3
With so much information being shared and gathered about the Line 3 replacement project, it’s important to help everyone stay focused on the facts, address any misconceptions, and make sure that information about Line 3 is grounded in truth.
Minnesotans for Line 3 has identified some common questions about the project along with information, facts, and other background that answer those important questions.
Approval Process
Who made the decision to replace Line 3, and when?
What steps have been taken to approve the Line 3 project?
What does the Consent Decree from the federal government to replace Line 3 mean?
How do actions by Line 3 opponents fit with Minnesota’s tradition of being a civically respectful community?
How many public comments were received in support and opposition to Line 3, and where were they from?
What do Minnesota’s refineries say about the need for oil from Line 3?
Environment & Safety
How do pipelines like Line 3 compare to other ways of transporting oil in terms of safety and efficiency?
If we’re transitioning to greener energy, why build more fossil fuel infrastructure like Line 3?
How can you care about protecting water and natural resources and support Line 3?
How in depth was the study to determine the environmental impact of Line 3?
What will happen to Line 3 if it is not replaced?
How do we know something like Line 3’s 1991 accident in Grand Rapids, MN won’t happen again?
What was the extent of the drilling fluid spill at the Willow River construction site, and what was done to correct it?
