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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL)

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RELEASE: Rep. Mariani Submits Comments on Proposed Enbridge Pipeline

Friday, July 14, 2017

SAINT PAUL, MN – State Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – St. Paul) has joined other Minnesota state lawmakers to submit official comments on a proposed reroute of the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline. The legislators signed a joint letter that has been submitted to the Department of Commerce. Their letter requests that the Department of Commerce make significant revisions to the Line 3 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

“This pipeline could have major environmental impacts on Minnesota communities and we don’t believe they have been given the consideration they need during this process,” said Rep. Mariani. “We all are experiencing a warming climate, and that makes this all the more important to get right. Until we’re sure that the concerns of indigenous communities are being considered, and that climate science and drinking water safety are being put before oil company profits, we need to stop and reassess what we’re doing as a state.”

The legislators signing with Rep. Mariani stated they found the DEIS to be flawed in several areas, and that four essential concerns needed to be addressed prior to issuance of the final EIS document. Those concerns included:

  • Failure to appropriately quantify oil spill exposure to drinking water sources

  • Tribal considerations and Line 3 abandonment

  • Stronger emphasis on climate considerations and impacts

  • A more comprehensive analysis of a no-build alternative

The letter signed by 36 legislators of the Minnesota House and Senate can be viewed here.