St. Paul, Minn. (June 3, 2020) – Jobs for Minnesotans today released the following statement following the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s decision to hold contested case hearings for the Line 3 Replacement Project 401 certification:

“We are dismayed by today’s MPCA decision to conduct a contested case process for the Line 3 Replacement Project 401 certification. This decision delays the permitting process for a project that will protect the environment, which is progressively more at risk as this review process continues. We recognize that the MPCA made this decision given the recent Court of Appeals ruling on PolyMet, a ruling that is up for review in the Minnesota Supreme Court.

“Line 3 is the most thoroughly reviewed project in Minnesota’s history. Communities across Minnesota are waiting with urgency to put thousands of skilled tradespeople to work and for the $2.6 billion investment in the state’s energy infrastructure. This privately funded project will provide a significant economic stimulus for Greater Minnesota that is needed now more than ever.

“We encourage our allies in business, labor and communities who believe this project is right for Minnesota to remain engaged and resilient, and we ask that the MPCA and the Office of Administrative Hearings be efficient and keep the process laser focused on the narrow issues addressed in today’s agency decision.”

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