12 Of 17 Members Of Environmental Justice Panel Resign After MN Approves Line 3 Pipeline Replacement

[hatrack]

Members of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's group on environmental justice have resigned en masse in response to the recent approval of permits for the Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project. In a letter dated Monday, Nov. 16, the members said they "cannot continue to legitimize and provide cover for the MPCA’s war on black and brown people." Twelve members of the group, which according to an MPCA web page consists of 17 members, signed the letter addressed to MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop.

"The decision to approve the permit sends a clear message that (Gov. Tim Walz's administration) and the MPCA hold no regard for the well-being of Minnesotans or our relatives around the world, who depend on us to dramatically, rapidly, and justly transition our economies away from fossil fuels," the letter said.

The former members made public their resignation Tuesday, Nov. 17, through the Minnesota nonprofit environmental advocacy group Honor the Earth, of which activist and advisory group member Winona LaDuke is a part. The announcement comes less than a week after the MPCA and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved key construction permits for the project, which seeks to replace the aging oil pipeline that cuts across northern Minnesota and through the Fond du Lac Reservation.

Canadian energy company Enbridge, which owns and operates the pipeline, has yet to announce a construction start date, which is still subject to legal battles and the pending approval of other permits by federal regulators.

EDIT

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/government-and-politics/6765837-Minnesota-environmental-advisors-resign-over-Line-3-approval

[vlyons]

1. Great, So now the Gov just appoint 12 climate deniers?

nt