Jun 9, 2018   SOURCE: BusinessWire

More Than 1,200 Minnesotans Submit Comments in Support of Replacing Enbridge's Line 3 Pipeline

Advocates of a plan to replace Enbridge’s Line 3 oil pipeline today delivered more than 1,200 postcards and signatures to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. The messages were from people across the state who support the project and the group delivering the messages included representatives from Minnesotans for Line 3, Jobs for Minnesotans and the Minnesota Ag Energy Alliance.

“As we get closer to a key decision about this project, we wanted to bring the voices and concerns from people across Minnesota to Governor Dayton,” said Bob Schoneberger, founder of Minnesotans for Line 3. “Minnesotans stand behind this project because we recognize the need to replace aging infrastructure. We are finding more supporters across the state who are joining with us every day for variety of reasons that include safety, the benefits this $2.1 billion project will bring to their communities, the thousands of jobs it will create and for the continuing need for a reliable supply of energy.”

The postcards and petition signatures are from people across northern Minnesota and the metro area, and include landowners, business owners, elected officials and other concerned citizens.

Russell Hess, Laborers District Council of MN and ND, said this type of large-scale infrastructure project is incredibly important because it allows union members to work in their home state. “Our members routinely are away from their families as they travel to where the jobs are. A project like replacing Line 3 will allow for union members to rebuild important energy infrastructure while seeing their kids’ ball games and activities,” Hess said.

Many of the supporter comment cards highlight concerns about safety, rail traffic and specifically focus on how important it is for crude oil to travel through pipelines instead of railroads. “Pipelines are by far the safest and most efficient way to transport the energy products our members need to provide for Minnesota consumers. Line 3 should be replaced with state of the art technology to achieve best possible safety and efficiency to help support the energy needs of Minnesota Agriculture,” said Perry Aasness, Executive Director of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council.

Examples of the support include:

  • “I support the upkeep and replacement of petroleum pipelines as the safest means of transporting petroleum products.” -Wayne, Crookston
  • “We believe Enbridge is doing the responsible thing by replacing aging pipeline infrastructure. A steady supply of petroleum and its products are important to every region in the U.S. We appreciate the high standards Enbridge operates under.” -Fred and Debra, Bemidji
  • “We need good paying jobs and Enbridge will create many jobs across the state. As long as we continue to use energy, we need to be sure Enbridge can replace the old line with a much safer one.” -Lola, Grand Rapids

Jennifer Byers, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, said that the state has conducted a thorough review and that it is time to move forward. “We’ve watched this regulatory process for several years now. Enbridge has proven the need to replace Line 3 and found a route that respects tribal sovereignty and minimizes impact to population centers and natural resources,” Byers said. “It’s time to make this project a reality.”

The PUC is expected to make final permitting decisions on June 27.

About Minnesotans For Line 3
Minnesotans for Line 3 is a group of like-minded people, led by Bob Schoneberger, who understand the need for reliable energy that we use every day across our great State. Line 3 is a vitally important project that will power our economy while helping all Minnesotans maintain their quality of life. We know that the best way to protect our environment is to replace aging infrastructure with a state-of-the-art pipeline that uses the newest technology available. To learn more please visit minnesotansforline3.com