House blocks bill to bar state's Line 3 pipeline appeals

Just as quickly as the Minnesota Senate passed it, the state House shot down legislation to force the state Commerce Department to drop its appeals of a regulatory panel's approval of Enbridge Energy's hotly disputed plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

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The Public Utilities Commission gave its final reaffirmation to the project Tuesday. Gov. Tim Walz said his administration would study the decision before deciding its next steps.

The GOP-controlled Senate voted 34-30 along party lines Thursday to prohibit the Commerce Department from spending money on further appeals. Some Democrats who strongly support Line 3 said they voted no anyway because the ban would set a bad precedent.

But hours later the Democratic-controlled House voted 75-51 to table the bill, blocking further consideration.

• Enbridge appeals to vacate an order that would shut down its pipeline
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• Enbridge faces criminal charge, more fines over Line 3 construction