Neighbor,
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Monday issued a stormwater permit for the proposed Line 3 replacement pipeline, the final state permit needed for Enbridge to begin construction.
This project is long overdue, its benefits are great, and workers already have started turning dirt, so you’d think we’re in the clear, right? Well…
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has scheduled a meeting for this Friday to review the latest round of legal challenges from Line 3 opponents. The question was asked: “Should the Commission grant the relief requested by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe as detailed in their November 25, 2020 Motion for Stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project Final Orders?”
The PUC is accepting comments on this issue until 4:30 p.m. TODAY (WEDNESDAY) at this email address: publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us. You are encouraged to provide the PUC with your input on this project and I submitted comments in the form of this letter:
Dear Public Utilities Commission,
I support the Line 3 replacement project moving forward immediately. This is my second letter concerning the stay of the Line 3 replacement issue. I apologize for that. I was busy and didn’t want to miss the chance to comment, so I wrote a quick email and pasted it to a bulk email.
Since this is such an important issue, I felt I needed to take time and send further comment:
I am a member of the White Earth Nation and I have lived here my entire life. I have witnessed poverty and drug abuse. I also have seen many climb out of challenging circumstances and do very well.
Line 3 replacement will give an opportunity for an estimated 80 families from numerous Reservations a chance at success, something that can be hard to come by for people in this area.
You have vetted this project over more years than any other I can remember. You have done your work and made your decisions. Seeking a stay at this point will harm Native Americans, counties, schools and any others benefiting from the jobs and taxes generated.
You also must consider the condition of the old line. Failure of this 60-year-old pipeline would be devastating. Those opposing replacement will be responsible shall this project not proceed.
It is time to uphold your decision to approve the new Line 3. I stand with you and will defend you amid any dissent because Line 3 replacement is necessary, long overdue and will provide benefits on numerous levels.
Sincerely,
State Representative Steve Green
Look for more as this develops and you can bet efforts to derail this project will continue even as the work takes place.
-Steve