ST. PAUL, MN – Today, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a Certificate of Need for Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 Oil Pipeline. The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton. To learn more about the permitting process for oil pipelines in Minnesota, and the 29 additional permits that Enbridge must apply for at the local, state, and federal levels, CLICK HERE.

 

“Many people hold passionate views on this project. I urge everyone to express themselves peacefully. The PUC’s decision is not the final approval of this pipeline. Rather, it only allows Enbridge to begin to apply for at least 29 required federal, state, and local permits. 

 

“Those regulatory reviews, which address numerous issues not considered by the PUC, will take several months. Approvals are by no means assured, and they would require any such project to meet Minnesota’s highest standards, protecting all our state's earth, air, water, natural resources, and cultural heritage. I assure that state agencies will fully uphold those high standards, as they review these applications.  Construction cannot and will not begin, unless Enbridge receives all required permit approvals.”