Judge To Rule On Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 Project

An administrative law judge is due to recommend whether Minnesota regulators should approve Enbridge Energy’s proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

The proposal has drawn strong opposition because the line would carry Canadian tar sands crude across environmentally sensitive areas in the Mississippi River headwaters region where Native Americans harvest wild rice and hold treaty rights.

Enbridge, based in Calgary, Alberta, says the project is necessary to ensure the reliable delivery of crude to Midwestern refineries. The existing line, which was built in the 1960s, can run at only half its original capacity.

Administrative Law Judge Ann O’Reilly’s recommendations, expected Monday, on whether the line is needed and routing, should guide the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission when it announces its decision in June.