Lewis Blasts Democrats Continued Delay of Line 3 at Bemidji Town Hall

August 21th, 2020

BEMIDJI, Minn. — U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis released the following statement after holding a town hall in support of Enbridge Line 3 in Bemidji on Wednesday night.

“Democrats continue to show their complete disregard for Greater Minnesota with further delays of Enbridge Line 3. As Minnesotans fight to bounce back from the overreaching COVID lockdowns, now more than ever is the time for significant infrastructure projects. Not only would the $2.6 billion pipeline project create 8,600 jobs, it would also generate an additional $19 million in property tax revenue. This is something our communities in Greater Minnesota desperate need, and it is hard to imagine how anybody could oppose it. 

Additionally, this project doesn’t just benefit our economy—it also is crucial in protecting our environment by allowing the safe delivery of crude oil and energy. We must replace the 50-year-old corroded pipeline with a new, state of the art line—anything less than that is simply irresponsible.

The review and approvals process has been rigorous and thorough to say the least. This was the most in depth environmental impact statement ever filed, the Public Utilities Commission’s certificate of need passed twice 5-0, and North Dakota and Wisconsin have already approved the pipeline in their states. What the Walz Administration is doing now is nothing more than partisan obstructionism.

If Senator Tina Smith truly cared about the environment or the hardworking men and women in Greater Minnesota, she would enthusiastically support Line 3. Unfortunately, Tina Smith would rather hold jobs and our economy hostage in order to please her special interest donors. This senseless obstruction will stop when I am Senator! Our economy and our environment depend on it.”

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