[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 29 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED TO REPLACE ENBRIDGE'S LINE 3 PIPELINE

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                           HON. PETE STAUBER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2019

  Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the critical 
need to replace Enbridge's Line 3, an aging pipeline dangerously 
corroding and operating at only 51 percent.
  Line 3 pipeline replacement project is on its fourth year of review 
and has met or exceeded every single required environmental standard. 
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted to issue 
its Certificate of Need last year.
  The project will create more than 4,000 construction jobs and enjoys 
the support of construction trade unions throughout the state. The 
project is supported by dozens of elected officials and thousands of 
Minnesotans. It will also generate an additional 19 million dollars in 
property tax revenue, providing a significant funding increase to rural 
schools.
  With all this benefit, it was greatly disappointing to hear we would 
have further delays.
  Unfortunately, certain state officials in Minnesota feel beholden to, 
in the words of our operating engineers, ``environmental extremism.'' 
These environmental extremists are the same folks that vandalized the 
current pipeline just last week, ironically creating a dangerous 
situation for themselves and the environment they claim to protect.
  The voters of northeastern Minnesota sent me to Congress to advocate 
for their jobs and safe use and protection of our natural resources. 
Therefore, I will continue to champion commonsense projects like the 
replacement of the Line 3 pipeline.

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