Today, the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement project received its final permit and the project will now move toward finally beginning construction. Local 49 Business Manager Jason George issued the following statement:
“Today marks a significant milestone in a long journey. Local 49 members have been advocating for the replacement of Enbridge Line 3 pipeline for years. We have advocated for this project because it is beneficial for the environment to replace an aging pipeline with a brand new one, our members are skilled and trained and will ensure that this project is built safely, and because northern Minnesota has been in desperate need of the economic boost this project will bring for some time.
With the issuance today by the MPCA of the final permit, Line 3 replacement now has all of the state and federal permits it needs to begin construction. Our members are beyond excited to be able to come back home, and build a historically significant project that will benefit this region for decades to come.
It is nice to be able to say that common sense and science prevailed over political ideology and partisan politics. We thank the regulators and Governor Walz for being impartial when they were pushed to be political. This is how government should work, and we hope it bodes well for other much needed natural resource projects in the future.
The time for talk is now over – and it is with great enthusiasm that we can now say it’s time to get to work!”
