On Sept. 15, 2015, the Brainerd Dispatch reported, and subsequently in the area other news outlets, that a state appeals court overturned a previous decision for the Sandpiper pipeline ruling that a comprehensive environmental evaluation is needed. Considering that the original administrative law judge (as voiced by several groups) disregarded the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency comments the appeals court ruling is not surprising. The administrative law judge basically made an economic ruling and disregarded the environment.
Following the appeals court ruling the published comments of the PUC executive secretary and Enbridge's spokesperson were almost identical. Makes one wonder which court the PUC is in and whose interest there are protecting.
Pipeline supporters, which include most environmental groups, say the pipeline is the safe way to transport the oil. What is missing is that old business criteria of location, location, location.
It appears that good business criteria are forgotten and the least cost and most profits at any environmental expense are prevailing, even by some government agencies.
Kent Rees
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Emily
