Enbridge Energy

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear an appeal by opponents of Enbridge Energy's Line 3 oil pipeline, letting stand a key decision by independent regulators to allow construction on the project to proceed.

The pipeline will have to prepare an environmental impact statement for the first time ever.

Enbridge describes it as essential for reliable oil supplies in both nations, saying the plan has undergone rigorous environmental permitting and will boost Minnesota's economy. Opponents contend it endangers waterways, violates indigenous treaty rights and abets dependence on fossil fuels that will further overheat the planet.

Minnesota regulators opened a hearing on Friday, January 31, 2020, on an updated environmental review for Enbridge Energy's plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across the state, but most testimony focused on broader questions of whether the project even be built.

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

Environmental and Indigenous groups asked Minnesota regulators on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, to reconsider their approval of Enbridge Energy's plans to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

Minnesota regulators on Thursday28, 2018, June approved Enbridge Energy's proposal to replace its aging Line 3 oil pipeline, angering opponents who say the project threatens pristine areas and have vowed Standing Rock-style protests if needed to block it.

Minnesota regulators should approve Enbridge Energy's proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline only if it follows the existing route rather than company's preferred route, an administrative law judge recommended on Monday, April 23, 2018.