Enbridge Inc. Line 3 pipeline wins final permit approval

In a win for our nation’s energy security and domestic energy capabilities, E&E News reported Minnesota regulators have given Enbridge Inc.’s Line 3 upgrade project final approval to move forward into construction. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a construction stormwater permit allowing Enbridge to replace and expand its aging Line 3 system across the state. Recognizing this milestone, Enbridge Executive Vice President Vern Yu said:

“This is a historic day for the Line 3 project which will strengthen the safety of the system for years to come…With all of the permits in hand, we can now start construction.”

E&E News reported the $2.6 billion Minnesota-based portion of the project would generate 4,200 construction jobs. This is huge success for Minnesota – as the state’s unemployment rate sunk even further in October 2020 – down 1.3% to a low of 4.6%. In addition to providing economic benefits, the project will be more environmentally friendly than other means of transportation. The Line 3 Replacement pipeline will transport 760,000 bpd which is the equivalent of 10,000 rail cars per day or 24,000 tanker trucks per day. This project should not be an option for Minnesota – it is a necessity for safe crude oil transit across a number of states.

Although the project has received pushback from environmentalists and local Native American tribes, the update to the pipeline is necessary for continued safety of the project and to minimize any environmental risk as the original pipeline was built in the 1960s.

Proponents of the project have ensured the public that the project is strong. Vice President for midstream at the American Petroleum Institute Robin Rorick stated:

“Enbridge’s approach to the replacement of Line 3 will ensure minimal impacts to the environment and safe operations while providing the reliable and affordable energy that powers the lives of American families and small businesses.”

The GAIN Coalition applauds Minnesota regulators for issuing a final approval for the Line 3 system upgrade. Enbridge plans to begin construction by the end of this year.