Dear Neighbors,
A few weeks ago, the Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal by the Minnesota Department of Commerce that was seeking to force the Minnesota Public Utilities (PUC) to reconsider their unanimous decision to grant a certificate of need for the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline.
In the Order, the Court said that the Department of Commerce had filed their motion too early, thus causing the dismissal. The Court went on to say that, according to state law, Governor Walz and his administration had until February 12th to decide whether or not they will re-file the motion for reconsideration.
The Line 3 pipeline project has been years in the making and is desperately needed to help more safely and efficiently transport oil across the state. The current pipeline is old and in need of repair. Last year, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved a certificate of need—allowing the project to proceed.
Last Tuesday, Governor Walz announced his intentions to proceed with efforts to continue challenging the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline. His petition for reconsideration challenges the unanimous decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to grant the certificate of need for the pipeline.
I am extremely disappointed that Governor Walz has sided with a small group of left-wing environmentalists over the safety and wellbeing of Minnesotans living in northern Minnesota. This project has cleared every regulatory hurdle and was unanimously approved by the PUC. It’s time to finally replace this aging infrastructure.
After years of delays by former Governor Dayton, it is disheartening to see Governor Walz follow suit.
Our state cannot afford to wait around for more politically motivated delay tactics by the Governor and environmentalists. It is time to get this project done.
That’s all for this week’s update. I urge you to contact me if you have any legislative questions, concerns, or ideas. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Thanks and have a good week,
Glenn