Letter to the PUC, in support of LINE 3

Better in Our Back Yard Letter to the PUC:

This comment is in support of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 Replacement Project. The most recent request for a stay is unnecessary and counterproductive. Line 3 is already the most studied pipeline project in Minnesota’s history as the process nears six years of review. Wisconsin, North Dakota and Canada have already completed their portions of construction and there isn’t any logical reason as to why construction on the Minnesota segment of Line 3 hasn’t begun. Enbridge has met all Minnesota Public Utility Commission requirements proving the projects need beyond a doubt, as well as the requirements of every state and federal environmental permitting agency involved. In granting the multitude of environmental and construction permits, state and federal agencies have continued to reassert their confidence that the project will meet or exceed all environmental and safety standards

 As we navigate through the global pandemic, northern Minnesota communities and small businesses continue to struggle. Now more than ever, the region needs a significant boost to the economy and the replacement of Line 3 gives local communities the economic injection needed to avoid further economic hardship. Over 40 mayors in Northern Minnesota have stated their support for the replacement of Line 3 because they understand what the project means for the communities that they represent, and the commitments Enbridge continues to make towards safe construction.

 From an economic, safety and infrastructure integrity perspective, the replacement of Line 3 is a no brainer for Minnesota. It’s time to put our skilled professionals in the Union Building Trades to work and replace an old deteriorating line with state of the art technology that will provide the safest way to transport crude oil.

Today is a great day for the future of northern Minnesota communities. Enbridge has been granted the construction stormwater permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the final permit needed for construction to begin for the replacement of Line 3.

Better In Our Back Yard congratulates Enbridge on six years of continuously proving that Line 3 will meet or exceed all environmental and safety standards while delivering billions of dollars in private investment, over 4,000 family sustaining jobs, millions in local spending, and a strong increase in local tax revenues when northern Minnesotans need it the most.

Job site safety is Enbridge’s top priority and the replacement of Line 3 will be no exception. As the nation navigates through the pandemic, Enbridge has made it clear that they will institute strict coronavirus testing and screening for workers. This will include daily temperature screenings, job site mask requirements, monitored social distancing, and regular sanitization of work areas.

Better In Our Back Yard is excited to see six years of hard work and perseverance from Enbridge and supporters across Minnesota come to fruition. Enbridge is poised to deliver a new pipeline with state-of-the-art technology that will provide the safest way to transport crude oil while reviving northern Minnesota’s economy and protecting the region’s environment that we all cherish and love.