Gabby Brown, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org
Natalie Cook, natalie.cook@sierraclub.org, 651-295-3483
St. Paul, MN -- As evidentiary hearings on Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 tar sands pipeline close today, attorneys and expert witnesses gathered to discuss the impacts the pipeline would have on Minnesota and the climate.
The public comment period for the pipeline closes on November 22, and a decision is expected from the PUC this spring.
“Approval of this project will make climate change worse and will bring more extreme weather to Minnesota and the United States,” said John Abraham, Professor of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas and expert witness on climate impact of Line 3.
"I am proud of what the Youth Climate Intervenors have contributed to the evidentiary hearings these past three weeks, so grateful for all of our incredible expert witnesses, and inspired by seeing what climate allies have accomplished,” said Margaret Breen, Youth Climate Intervenor.
“This process is historic because the of the many Tribes, organizations, generations, and citizens participating in the process,” said Jim Reents, co-founder of Northern Water Alliance.
“The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians objects to the construction of the Line 3 replacement project, which is routed through our treaty ceded territory. If Enbridge has its way we will be faced with the additional risk of harm from a pipeline failure that would greatly outweigh any benefits the public would receive from the new pipeline. Enbridge’s applications for permission to construct the new pipeline should be rejected,” said attorney Joe Plummer on behalf of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.
“The White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians objects to the approval of Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement pipeline. The proposed pipeline route is through a mostly new corridor, which crosses through our treaty ceded territory. Enbridge minimizes the risk that a release of crude oil would occur because of a pipeline rupture, but Enbridge’s own track record demonstrates that they are not capable of preventing pipeline ruptures,” said attorney Joe Plummer on behalf of the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.