Hagedorn Statement on Walz’s Opposition to Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 Project

WASHINGTON – Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) released the following statement upon learning Minn. Gov. Tim Walz will renew a legal challenge to Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 pipeline project:

“As an ardent advocate of U.S. energy independence and construction of the energy infrastructure (pipelines, refineries and distribution points) needed to efficiently and safely utilize America’s vast natural resources, I am extremely disappointed that Governor Walz has sided with the environmental extremists.”

Hagedorn signed on to a letter with his colleagues Reps. Pete Stauber (MN-08), Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Collin Peterson (MN-07), urging Gov. Walz to respect the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s unanimous approval of the project. An excerpt from the letter:

“Enbridge has met all required environmental reviews to gain a Certificate of Need and further petition will only delay the safe delivery of energy. Our communities across Northern Minnesota stand to benefit from the $2.6 billion private infrastructure investment from Line 3 replacement. It will provide more than 4,000 construction jobs for our unions and generate an additional $19 million in property tax revenue for rural schools in desperate need of funding.

“Replacement of Enbridge Line 3 is imperative for environmental safety and a crucial infrastructure investment in our communities.”

Click here to read the letter to Gov. Tim Walz.

Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family’s grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim’s father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota’s way of life.

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