[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”underline solid” sep_color=”#000000″ margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Alternative route for the proposed Sandpiper oil pipeline would bring the pipeline across Central Minnesota[/title][fusion_text]Friday, June 12th 2015
An alternative route for the proposed Sandpiper oil pipeline under consideration by state officials would bring the pipeline across Central Minnesota, including parts of Morrison, Todd, Benton and Mille Lacs counties. Last week, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a certificate of need for the $2.6 billion, 612-mile Enbridge Energy project, which would deliver light crude from the Bakken fields of North Dakota to a terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. The commission did not determine a route for the pipeline. Enbridge’s preferred route through north-central Minnesota is opposed by environmental groups and American Indian tribes who say it will impact sensitive lakes, wetlands and wild rice areas. Enbridge says Sandpiper is needed to move the growing supply of North Dakota crude safely and efficiently to market. It would carry about as much oil per day as 1,700 railroad tank cars. But environmentalists and tribal groups say the risk of leaks is too high. Opponents also argue that the pipeline will exacerbate the problem of climate change by continuing reliance on fossil fuels, when the emphasis should be on moving toward more renewable energy sources. Last Friday, the commission agreed on a 5-0 vote that the pipeline is necessary, but more review of the proposed route and an alternative route are required before a final vote is done.
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