St. Paul, Minn. (Dec. 4, 2020) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) decision today to deny the motion for stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Route Permit and Certificate of Need:

“The extensive scientific record of the Line 3 Replacement Project prevailed again today as the motion for a stay of the project was denied. Jobs for Minnesotans thank the MPUC Commissioners for the thoughtful deliberations and considerations during today’s special commission meeting.

“The impact of a stay would be far too great not only to the thousands of skilled professionals who have started or will soon start work on the project – depending on its employment and healthcare benefits; but also to the surrounding communities, environment and watersheds of the existing 51-year-old pipeline being replaced.

“Construction has been deemed essential work under the Governor’s executive order since the beginning of the pandemic. Safety is the core value of the construction industry and is the absolute top priority of our union members and Enbridge – this includes COVID-19 mitigation for workers and communities. Enbridge and its partners have committed to follow the latest guidance provided by local, federal and international public-health and government authorities to protect workers and communities in order to minimize transmissions of COVID-19 during construction.

“The Line 3 Replacement Project has been reviewed by multiple state and federal agencies, and all permits and certificates have been issued. Enbridge has also collaborated and signed agreements with tribal governments along the right-of-way including Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

“It’s time for all Minnesotans to accept the sound agency decisions based on an expansive scientific record and come together as a state to advance this critical $2.6 billion dollar private investment in Minnesota’s energy infrastructure and economy. Especially for the communities along the route that are experiencing high unemployment rates and economic disparities compared to the Twin Cities.

“Jobs for Minnesotans now looks forward to supporting a safe and respectful work environment for the communities along the corridor and for construction workers as this project continues to be built.”