PUC reaffirms decision to grant permit for Enbridge Line 3 pipeline

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Public Utilities Commission voted Thursday to deny reconsideration of the route permit for the controversial Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline replacement.  

After a few procedural motions, the PUC voted to move forward with the project, despite public objections. At that point, a small group of protesters stood up and began chanting, “Stop Line 3” as the meeting, which lasted fewer than 30 minutes, adjourned. 

Many groups object to laying more than 300 miles of new pipeline that would carve a different path through northern Minnesota. 

Enbridge said the new line is necessary because the old one was built in the 1960’s and is increasingly in danger of corroding or cracking.

But, opponents fear replacing the aging pipeline would threaten the environment and natural resources. The proposed pipeline would be 36 inches in diameter and capable of moving 800,000 barrels a day. 

Now that most other efforts to block the project have failed, opponents say their only options may be to try to block it in court or on the construction site itself.