The Dayton administration is now among those legally challenging Enbridge’s planned upgrade of its Line 3 pipeline across northern Minnesota. The state Commerce Department alleges the Public Utilities Commission did not consider an “energy demand forecast” when giving the go-ahead for the project, but that state law requires it. Coming at nearly the end of Governor Mark Dayton’s term in office, it’s not clear what happens with the appeal when Governor-elect Tim Walz takes the helm. Walz said just before the election he’s satisfied with an earlier decision by the Public Utilities Commission to let Line 3 move forward.
Earlier this week, three environmental groups plus the Red Lake and White Earth Bands also filed a separate court challenge.