State utility regulators Thursday stood by their decision approving a route for Enbridge's controversial new pipeline across northern Minnesota.
The decision by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) was expected, as the PUC rarely rescinds its earlier judgments. The PUC already had voted last month against reconsidering the certificate of need for the $2.6 billion project.
The denials were necessary for pipeline opponents to file planned appeals of the decisions on the pipeline, a replacement for Enbridge's deteriorating Line 3. Environmental groups and some American Indian bands are expected to appeal the certificate of need decision to the Minnesota Court of Appeals next week.
The PUC decided in late June to grant Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge both the certificate of need and route permit, with some conditions on both approvals.
While the new pipeline's 330-mile route follows the current one from the border to Clearbrook, Minn., it then juts south to Park Rapids before it heads east to Superior, Wis.
As has been the case in many Line 3 matters, the PUC's downtown St. Paul hearing room was packed on Thursday, as was an overflow room nearby.
Pipeline supporters outnumbered opponents at this hearing, though several pipeline protesters chanted "Line 3 climate disaster" and other slogans immediately after the meeting ended. Seven St. Paul police officers stood before them. There were no incidents.
While the PUC is the prime regulatory authority over Line 3, Enbridge still needs several permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the state Department of Natural Resources. It also must receive water crossing permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.