Minn. opponents rally against pipeline project

Opponents of a proposed oil pipeline across northern Minnesota rallied in Bemidji on Wednesday.

A grass-roots group on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation is mounting a petition campaign against the pipeline planned by Enbridge Energy. The Leech Lake Tribal Council has already passed a resolution that says it plans to accept $10 million from the company and would grant permits and leases for the pipeline.

Opponents fear possible leaks from the pipeline and say the pipeline would harm wetlands in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The 1,000-mile Alberta Clipper pipeline will travel from Alberta, Canada, to Superior, Wis., carrying oil extracted from Canada's oil sands.

An Enbridge spokeswoman says the company's goal is to lessen U.S. dependence on oil from the Mideast.

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(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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