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.
###
Media Contact: Nancy Norr, Board Chair
nnorr@mnpower.com
218.590.6978