St. Paul, Minn. (February 24, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the below statement following today’s Minnesota Supreme Court ruling reversing the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision on the air permit for the PolyMet NorthMet project issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The ruling also remanded the Minnesota Court of Appeals address the remaining issues on appeal:
“Today’s air permit ruling is an affirmation of the comprehensive regulatory process codified in Minnesota’s laws, the PolyMet project’s scientific record and the expertise of the MPCA. The Minnesota Supreme Court supports the multi-year agency review conducted to ensure environmental standards will be met.
“This is a positive step forward for the PolyMet project after 16 years of regulatory review and the seventh court ruling that has upheld the permitting process. While we wait on the rulings of remaining court challenges for the project, Jobs for Minnesotans encourages all supporters of responsible industry to remain resilient as they look forward to the construction of this sustainable mine.
“The PolyMet NorthMet project is expected to provide 360 family-sustaining jobs to northeast Minnesota, a region currently experiencing severe economic disparities and unemployment rates compared to the Twin Cities metro area. The project will also be the first in Minnesota to mine nonferrous metals needed for the growing demand of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and other climate change solutions.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Jobs For Minnesotans stands in solidarity with the workers and communities affected by today’s actions. No matter the outcome of the investigation, putting lives and the environment at risk does not represent peaceful and lawful protest.
ENBRIDGE SUSPICIOUS DEVICE STATEMENT
Today Enbridge workers and contractors working on the company’s Line 3 replacement project observed a group of protesters, one of whom threw a suspicious device onto the construction site. The protesters then rushed to drive away from the scene. Our workers reported the incident to local authorities, and have been evacuated from the site as emergency responders investigate.
Out of an abundance of caution Enbridge has shut down its pipelines in the area.
Putting the lives of workers and others at risk is unacceptable. Protestors need to know actions that put people in harm’s way will be prosecuted, and that we are working with the police and other authorities to assure worker safety.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
In Response: Flambeau Mine successfully operated, successfully closed
Duluth News Tribune
By Frank Ongaro of Duluth, executive director of Mining Minnesota (miningminnesota.com), an advocacy group for copper-nickel mining
In her Feb. 10 commentary in the News Tribune, Laura Gauger argued that the Flambeau Mine in Wisconsin is not an example of a successful mining project. Unfortunately, the commentary conveniently omitted several facts.
While a focus should be on Minnesota’s comprehensive, science-based environmental review and permitting processes, it is important to point out some key facts about the Flambeau Mine.
First, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources holds this mine up as an example of a successful operation and successful closure. Plans for closure and reclamation were part of the initial permitting process and were approved by state regulators. The reclaimed site is now home to acres of wetlands, hundreds of species of plants and animals, miles of hiking trails, and five miles of equestrian trails open to the public year-round.
U.S. District Court Denies Injunction of Line 3 Replacement Project
St. Paul, Minn. (Feb. 8, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the decision by the U.S. District Court to deny the motion for a preliminary injunction on the Line 3 Replacement Project’s 404 water permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
“The U.S. District Court decision reinforces the sound scientific record of the Line 3 Replacement Project. This Court, along with the Minnesota Court of Appeals which also denied a stay to the project last week, has determined stopping construction would be too harmful not only to the surrounding environment of the aging pipeline this project replaces, but also to the Minnesota communities along the route corridor experiencing irreplaceable investment, and the 5,000 skilled professionals currently working on the project relying on its employment and health care benefits.
“Jobs for Minnesotans encourages all Minnesotans to accept the agency decisions made time and time again to advance this critical $2.6 billion private investment in the state’s energy transportation infrastructure. We strongly support a safe and respectful work environment for the construction workers and the communities along the corridor.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Minnesota Court of Appeals Denies Stay of Line 3 Replacement Project
St. Paul, Minn. (Feb. 3, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to yesterday’s Minnesota Court of Appeals decision to deny the motion for a stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project Certificate of Need and Route Permit:
“Jobs for Minnesotans is pleased by the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision to deny the stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project. We thank the appeals commission for determining the harm of a stay would be far too great to more than 5,000 skilled professionals currently working on the project, the northern Minnesota communities along the route trying to survive the disproportionate economic impact of the pandemic, and to the surrounding environment and watersheds of the existing 51-year-old pipeline being replaced.
“These motions for a stay were another attempt to deny science and the lawful six-year regulatory review process of a $2.6 billion private investment in our state’s energy infrastructure. It’s time for all Minnesotans to accept the agency decisions made time and time again to advance this project based on an expansive scientific record.
“More than 5,000 workers now rely on Line 3 for employment and health benefits as construction for the project continues. We urge all of those following this project to support a safe and respectful work environment for these workers and the communities along the corridor.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Proposed Legislation Attempts to Kill the Minnesota Mining Industry
St. Paul, Minn. (January 13, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the proposed Prove it First legislation released today by select members of the Minnesota legislature:
“This bill is not an attempt to strengthen the regulatory process, it’s simply an attempt to kill the mining industry in Minnesota and issue a blanket denial to projects that ultimately are essential to the future transition to green energy sources.
“Those backing this legislation ignore the fact that there have been non-ferrous mines that have opened, operated and closed in similar climates that have successfully protected the environment and remain in compliance in our country. Look to the Flambeau mine in Wisconsin and the Eagle mine in Michigan.
“We already have “prove it first” regulations and laws in our state environmental review and permit processes for all mining projects. Any nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals project proposed in Minnesota already has to prove it can operate safely without impacting the surrounding environment.
“You cannot have electric vehicles, solar panels or windmills without the minerals that are located in northeast Minnesota. Ninety-five percent of the U.S. nickel reserves and 88 percent of U.S. cobalt reserves are located here in northeast Minnesota. We as a state cannot just shut out an industry in one breath and then expect we have the ability to make this critical green transition in another.
“Every mine proposal is unique and specific to its leases, location and mining methods. Every geological deposit the proposal sits on is different. We need to trust our government institutions and agencies to analyze each project based on science and facts in a predictable and fair way through the processes already in place.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 6,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Minnesota PUC Upholds Line 3 Replacement Project Again
St. Paul, Minn. (Dec. 23, 2020) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) decision to deny the reconsideration of a stay of the Line 3 Replacement Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Route Permit and Certificate of Need:
“The Line 3 Replacement Project’s scientific record, the most studied project in Minnesota’s history, prevailed again today. It’s time for all Minnesotans to accept the sound agency decisions 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 respectful work environment for the communities along the corridor and for construction workers as this project continues.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
Minnesota PUC Denies Stay Motion for Line 3 Replacement Project
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.”
St. Paul, Minn. (November 30, 2020) – Today, after six years of rigorous and thorough scientific regulatory review, the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project received the final permit clearing the path for construction to begin. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued the storm water permit representing the final step to full regulatory approval.
“Today is nothing short of a triumph for what we’ve been fighting for all along – a predictable, fair and thorough regulatory process in the state of Minnesota,” said Doug Loon, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “This is the right time with the right environmental protections for Enbridge’s $2.6 billion private investment in our state.”
Jobs for Minnesotans and its members commend Governor Walz, the dedicated MPCA, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioners and agency professionals for fulfilling their responsibility to Minnesotans. And, for approving the best option to protect our communities and environment replacing an aging pipeline on which the state relies.
“As the most thoroughly reviewed project in Minnesota’s history, it’s time for this project to be built and bring the much needed 4,200 union construction jobs to greater Minnesota,” said Harry Melander, president of the Minnesota Construction and Building Trades Council. “We now call on all Minnesotans to support a safe and respectful work environment for the communities along the corridor and construction workers as this project is built.”
The Line 3 Replacement Project has been reviewed by multiple state and federal agencies. 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. Additionally, to minimize transmissions of COVID-19 during construction, Enbridge has also submitted a comprehensive COVID preparedness plan to the Minnesota Department of Health aligning with its deep commitment to protecting the health and safety of its employees, contractors and the public.
The Line 3 project will bring a $2.6 billion investment in the state’s energy infrastructure and 6,500 local jobs over the course of construction. This comes at a time where unemployment rates along the corridor of the project’s route are still painfully high and average annual incomes fall well below the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area even in a normal economy. Most importantly, the project is needed to replace an aging pipeline and protect Minnesota’s environment for generations.
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978
St. Paul, Minn. (November 12, 2020) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) issuing its remaining eight permits and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issuing the 401 Water Quality Certification for the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project:
“Today is an exciting day for Jobs for Minnesotans and all supporters of responsible industry in the state. We commend the MPCA and MDNR for the thorough review of the Line 3 Replacement Project and adhering to timelines set earlier this year. We thank the dedicated agency professionals for their responsibility to Minnesotans. And, for approving the best option to protect our communities and environment replacing an aging pipeline on which the state relies.
“Today’s news paves the way for all remaining permits to be issued and for the Line 3 project to begin construction soon. 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 moves into the construction phase.
“We encourage all Minnesotans to accept the sound agency decisions based on an expansive scientific record and the fact that the project has proven it will meet and, when possible, exceed regulations as outlined by law. It’s time we come together as a state to advance this critical $2.6 billion dollar private investment in Minnesota’s energy infrastructure.
“While unemployment rates along the corridor of the Line 3 route are still above 20 percent, the project will create timely and impactful investment in and bring thousands of jobs to northern Minnesota communities feeling deep economic disparities right now and enhance the safety of our environment for generations to come.”
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 55,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 companies and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978