St. Paul, Minnesota (Oct. 28, 2016) – Jobs for Minnesotans announced today that the coalition will be expanding its mission of supporting responsible industries committed to investing in Minnesota and following environmental standards to include support for energy transportation projects. This mission is in addition to the coalition’s longstanding support of sustainable job creation from proposed copper-nickel mining projects in Minnesota.
Enbridge, an energy transportation company, has proposed an investment of $2.6 billion for a replacement program for its existing Line 3 crude oil pipeline, which spans from North Dakota through Minnesota and into Wisconsin. The Jobs for Minnesotans Board of Directors voted unanimously to expand the organization’s mission based on the role Enbridge plays in the economic future of the state.
“This expanded mission is a natural progression of the efforts of our allies in labor, business and communities to ensure all Minnesotans have a prosperous future. We must advance projects that protect the environment and encourage investments that strengthen communities in Greater Minnesota, as well as enhance the economy statewide,” said Nancy Norr, board chair of Jobs for Minnesotans. “Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement Project will provide around 1,500 family-sustaining construction jobs in Minnesota as well as a $2.1 billion boost for the economy. Much like proposed copper-nickel mining projects in northeastern Minnesota, we can’t afford not to see this project move forward.”
The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce jointly formed Jobs for Minnesotans in 2012 and remain closely aligned on the need to support statewide natural resource development and follow the established and fair review process.
“Minnesota belongs to all of us and we’re responsible for ensuring this state remains an unparalleled place to live, work and play for generations to come,” said Harry Melander, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “These companies – Enbridge, PolyMet Mining, Twin Metals Minnesota and others – already do and will continue to provide good-paying jobs right here in Minnesota for thousands of people.”
“We’re very fortunate in our state to have some of the best environmental standards in the world,” said Doug Loon, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “Our state and federal agencies should allow these projects to follow the transparent and predictable review process already in place to protect our water quality and environment. We need to send the message that Minnesota is open for responsible-minded businesses, and projects like Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement, which will ensure continued safe and reliable operations.”
With its new mission, Jobs for Minnesotans will continue to serve as a platform for supporters to stay educated and learn how to get involved to support job creation in the state.
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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