Minnesota regulators to decide on pipeline opposed by church leaders

Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission is expected to make a decision soon on whether to approve a proposal for an oil pipeline that would extend from Canada across Minnesota—a move opposed by hundreds of clergy leaders.

The regulators heard two days of final arguments last week on the Line 3 proposal from Enbridge Energy to replace a deteriorating crude oil pipeline. More than 500 clergy have signed a petition against the project. They include leaders from the Minnesota offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.

Also opposed by environmentalists and tribal groups, the pipeline would run through a region containing lakes, rivers and wild rice waters; wild rice is culturally sacred to the Ojibwe tribe.

“The threat of spills in these water-rich areas puts this project in violation of indigenous treaty rights to hunt, fish and gather,” said Julia Nerbonne, executive director of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light said in a statement.

Project director Paul Eberth said in a statement the proposed route follows extensive study and input from various parties, acknowledges tribes’ concerns, and enjoys overwhelming support.