Ruling Boosts Enbridge Energy’s Plans to Replace Aging Oil Pipeline in Minnesota
“An administrative law judge said opponents of Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 oil pipeline did not prove construction of the project would harm northern Minnesota wetlands and streams,” reports Jimmy Lovrien in TwinCities Pioneer Press’ Business.
“In a non-binding recommendation issued Friday, Judge James LaFave said the coalition of environmental and tribal groups failed to meet the burden of proof in a contested-case hearing on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s water permits over the summer and urged the MPCA commissioner to make the same finding when considering the 340-mile pipeline’s 401 certification, a permit awarded by a state’s regulators if the project’s impact on water falls within the state’s standard. The MPCA’s decision is due Nov. 14.”