Governor Mark Dayton opposes a bill that would allow Enbridge to proceed with a controversial upgrade of its Line 3 pipeline in northern Minnesota, saying it tramples the authority of the Public Utilities Commission. Dayton says, “You needed to separate these decisions from the political process: What do they think is best for the people of Minnesota, not what’s best for this company or that company or this special interest group or that special interest group.” Bill sponsor, Roseau Republican Dan Fabian responds the Line 3 upgrade has been fully vetted and adds there must be more regional balance on the P-U-C. “When they live an average of 17 miles from the State Capitol, it does give me some concern. There’s nobody from north of the metro,” he says.
Opponent Greg Boertje from Duluth warned lawmakers their committee hearing Tuesday afternoon and evening comes as Christians celebrate Holy Week. Boertje said, “This is the week that Jesus disrupted business as usual, turning over the tables in the temple, saying, stop the exploitation of poor people.”
The governor’s comments from Tuesday:
Rep. Fabian’s response: