The Latest: Minnesota regulators reject attempt to stop line
Minnesota regulators have rejected the latest attempt by environmental and tribal groups to stop Enbridge Energy's plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement
FILE - In this June 28, 2018, file photo, Winona LaDuke speaks out against the Line 3 decision in St. Paul, Minn. Opponents of Enbridge Energy's proposed Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement are turning their attention to fighting the project on other fronts as a Minnesota regulatory panel prepares to take one of its final steps to allow it to proceed. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP, File)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Latest on Minnesota regulators taking one of their final looks at planned Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline (all times local):
10:35 a.m.
Minnesota regulators have rejected the latest attempt by environmental and tribal groups to stop Enbridge Energy's plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline.
The Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously Thursday to reject petitions from groups opposed to the project. The groups wanted the commission to reconsider its decision to approve a certificate of need for the replacement line.
Supporters of the project arrived early and snagged most of the limited seating in the hearing room. Many wore blue jackets with the name of their group, Minnesotans for Line 3.
After the vote, about 20 opponents chanted, "Stop Line 3."
The vote was one of the commission's last major actions on the project. Opponents will now challenge the project in court.
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11:10 p.m. CT.
Opponents of Enbridge Energy's proposed Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement are turning their attention to fighting the project on other fronts as a Minnesota regulatory panel prepares to take one of its final steps to allow it to proceed.
The Public Utilities Commission on Thursday will discuss whether to reconsider its decision to approve a route permit for the line across northern Minnesota.
Environmental and tribal groups say they hold out little hope, given that the commission earlier this month unanimously rejected their petitions to reconsider the project's certificate of need.
So now the opponents are shifting their focus to the courts and preparing for demonstrations as construction preparations ramp up.
Enbridge wants to replace its existing Line 3 because it was built in the 1960s and is increasingly subject to cracking and corrosion.
