The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approved the final permit for Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline replacement project Monday.
Jobs for Minnesotans and LIUNA are applauding the green lights for the $2.6 billion project.
“As the most thoroughly reviewed project in Minnesota’s history, it’s time for this project to be built and bring the much needed 4,200 union construction jobs to greater Minnesota,” said Harry Melander, president of the Minnesota Construction and Building Trades Council.
“We now call on all Minnesotans to support a safe and respectful work environment for the communities along the corridor and construction workers as this project is built.”
“We are grateful to Governor Tim Walz, the Public Utilities Commission, the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources for leading a fair and careful, years-long process that resulted in the approval of this much-needed project,” said LIUNA President Joel Smith.
“Thousands of our friends and neighbors across Minnesota look forward to using their construction skills to protect our environment and communities by replacing an existing deteriorating pipeline.”
The Red Lake and White Earth Nations filed motions last week to delay the project, out of concern of further increasing COVID-19 infections along the corridor with the influx of workers.
Winona LaDuke with Honor the Earth says it’s unfortunate the state is issuing permits for an “unnecessary tar-sands pipeline” even though a court appeal is still underway. Opponents warn the project will be bad for the environment and hurt Native communities along the route.
