Watch CBS News

Enbridge: Supporters Accuse Regulators Of Delaying Pipeline Project

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Enbridge Energy and its supporters have accused Minnesota regulators of imposing unreasonable and unlawful procedures that they say will delay construction of a $2.6 billion pipeline to carry North Dakota crude oil across northern Minnesota.

Enbridge in a regulatory filing Monday says the Public Utilities Commission's requirement that a final environmental study be submitted before the pipeline route is formally reviewed will delay the project another four to six months. That would be nearly four years after Enbridge filed its application.

The Star Tribune reports the pipeline company cites 17 other projects in which regulators addressed environmental risks in tandem with the permit review.

Environmental groups and Indian tribes are concerned the pipeline could damage pristine northern waterways. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and labor groups support Enbridge's challenge.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.