Dayton's administration appealing PUC's approval of Line 3 pipeline

The latest map for the proposed replacement for the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline. (Photo credit: Enbridge Energy)

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton's administration has appealed a state regulatory panel's approval of Enbridge Energy's plan to replace its aging Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce said Friday that the Public Utilities Commission ignored experts who said the project isn't needed.

Dayton says in a statement that Enbridge failed to provide a forecast for future demand, as state law requires, and to demonstrate that Minnesota needs the pipeline to meet its oil needs. He says most of the crude flowing across Minnesota would benefit other states and countries.

Enbridge spokeswoman Judi Kellner says Dayton's statement is "disappointing and erroneous." She says Canada-based Enbridge provided multiple forecasts showing that a replacement is needed.

Other Line 3 opponents appealed earlier this week.

The Public Utilities Commission issued a statement Friday:

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission stands by its decision to grant a Certificate of Need for the proposed Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project. The Commission is a five-member independent, quasi-judicial board whose members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to staggered 6-year teams. The Commission based its decision in this proceeding on the applicable law and a full evidentiary record after vigorous input and participation by the litigants and the public.