St. Paul, Minn. (June 14, 2021) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to today’s Minnesota Court of Appeals decision to affirm the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s (MPUC) issuance of the Line 3 Replacement Project Certificate of Need, Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Route Permit:

“Today, we stand in support of the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision affirming MPUC’s authority and the scientific record of the Line 3 Replacement Project. The Court noted the extensive process, the extent of public input and the diligent work of the MPUC in reviewing this project. We thank the appeals commission for its reviews and the MPUC for upholding the Certificate of Need, Route Permit and EIS time after time.

“The Line 3 Replacement Project is the most thoroughly reviewed project in Minnesota’s history. It was thoroughly reviewed for over 6 years, amounting to 70 opportunities for public comment and a 13,500-page EIS backed by science and upheld by multiple courts and agencies.

“It’s time Minnesotans accept the court ruling and agency decisions and come together as a state to support the remaining construction of this nearly $4 billion investment in the state’s energy infrastructure. Most importantly, the project replaces an aging pipeline and will better protect Minnesota’s environment for generations.

“There are now 4,000 workers constructing and relying on Line 3 for employment and health benefits. Minnesota communities all along the corridor are reaping the benefits of construction and many small businesses have rebounded quickly from the economic downturn of the pandemic due to this project. 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