Line 3 is key to North American energy independence

(St. Paul, MN) – Isaac Orr, Policy Fellow at Center of the American Experiment, released the following statement in response to the MN Court of Appeals reversal of the Minnesota PUC’s approval of the environmental review (EIS) of the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project:

“Today’s decision by the Minnesota Court of Appeals that will delay the replacement of Line 3 is disappointing. New pipelines are safer than older versions, just like newer cars are safer than older ones.

 

“Oil is the largest energy source in Minnesota, accounting for 35% of Minnesota’s total energy consumption, according to federal data. The United States can either import oil from Canada, our hockey-loving neighbors to the north, or we can be more reliant on countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, or Venezuela. A new Line 3 will be an important tool to promoting North American energy independence.”

Isaac Orr is a policy fellow at Center of the American Experiment, where he writes about energy and environmental issues, including mining and electricity policy. Prior to joining Center of the America Experiment, Isaac served as a research fellow at The Heartland Institute, where he specialized in energy and environmental policy. Isaac has written extensively on hydraulic fracturing, frac sand mining and electricity policy, among other energy and environmental issues. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal,USA Today, the New York Post, The Hill, Orange County Register, The Washington Times, and many other publications.

Center of the American Experiment is “Minnesota’s Think Tank.” For more than 25 years, the Center has been the most impactful and effective public policy organization in Minnesota, leading the way in creating and advocating policies that make Minnesota a freer, more prosperous and better-governed state. The Center is a civic and educational 501(c)(3) organization.