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Hundreds of supporters and opponents of a proposed oil pipeline converged on Duluth on Tuesday for the second of five public hearings this week across the state.


 
More than 300 people attended the public hearing to weigh in on Enbridge Energy's planned Sandpiper line, which would transport more than 225,000 barrels of oil a day from North Dakota's booming Bakken region to its hub in Superior, Wisconsin.
 

Critics object to pumping oil through MN lakes country


Opponents of the so-called Sandpiper line said it would exacerbate climate change and threaten pristine lakes and rivers. With that in mind, about 30 people braved frigid temperatures to rally in downtown Duluth before the hearing, chanting "We don't want that Bakken oil, keep that carbon in the soil!"


 
Retired social worker Vicki Andrews drove from Grand Rapids to voice her concerns.


 
"Potential spills and the damage to the water and the land from those," Andrews said. "But also the big picture of what the carbon dioxide levels are doing to the climate in general."


 
Two busloads of union supporters of the pipeline traveled to the hearing from Ely and the Iron Range. They touted the 1,500 high-paying construction jobs the project would create.


 
Supporters of the project say it also would be safer than shipping oil by train. 


 
"This oil is being pumped now; it has to be transported in one way, shape or form," said Rod Alstead principal officer of Teamster local 346 in Duluth. "And we believe through the pipeline, that's going to be the safest way."


 
The Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comments through Jan. 23.

Business and Economic News

Environmental News

Dan Kraker

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Opponents of the Sandpiper line said it would exacerbate climate change and threaten lakes and rivers. Supporters say it would create jobs and be safer than shipping oil by train.

Opponents protest the Sandpiper pipeline.

Proposed pipeline draws jeers, cheers in Duluth

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