Heidi Holtan talks with Barry Simonson from Enbridge, Director of Line 3 Mainline Construction, Rachel Johnson from Precision Pipeline and Patrick Hughley Enbridge Tribal Engagement about the Line 3 project. Line 3 construction began at the beginning of December - they are now employing over 5000 workers for the project. Protests have been going on as well - at the sites near Palisade and Backus.
The StarTribune reported: The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday denied a petition from two Ojibwe bands to halt construction of Enbridge's controversial Line 3 replacement project across northern Minnesota.
In December, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe petitioned the appellate court to suspend state regulators' approval of Enbridge's new $2.6 billion pipeline and stop construction.
The tribes claimed that without a stay of Line 3's construction "their treaty-protected interests in the land, waters, plants, animals and environment" would be destroyed or damaged by construction — as would their cultural and religious rights.
The following is the statement from Enbridge:
We’re pleased with the decision from the Minnesota Court of Appeals, but not surprised. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) review of the Line 3 Replacement Project was thorough and exhaustive – from the Environmental Impact Statement to the certificate of need and route permit. This is an essential maintenance and safety project that enhances environmental protections. It also is creating significant economic benefits for Minnesota counties, small businesses, Native American communities, and union members including 5,200 construction jobs, millions of dollars in local spending and tax revenues at a time when the state needs it most.
