Minnesota Regulators Begin Deliberating Disputed Pipeline

They are Entering Their Fifth day of Hearings

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota regulators have begun deliberations on whether to approve or reject Enbridge Energy’s proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

The Public Utilities Commission entered a fifth day of hearings on the project Thursday.

Commissioners began deliberations after they finished questioning representatives on both sides of the debate.

Line 3 was built in the 1960s. Enbridge says it needs to replace the pipeline because it’s increasingly subject to corrosion and cracking.

The Calgary, Alberta-based company also says the pipeline can currently run at only half its original capacity.

Climate change and tribal activists oppose the project.

Some set up a large tripod to block one street outside the commission’s building in downtown St. Paul on Thursday morning. It bore a sign reading, “Expect Resistance.”