State utility regulators vote against a stay on Enbridge pipeline project

State regulators declined Friday to grant a stay on construction of Enbridge's new pipeline across northern Minnesota, leaving little recourse to stop work on the $2.6 billion project while court appeals of key approvals and permits are pending.

"Operation of the existing Line 3 is more likely to cause harm than construction of the project," said Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner Valerie Means, explaining her vote against the stay. "The commission has determined that replacing an old, aging pipeline is the safest option for protecting the environment and Minnesota communities."

The move came on a day when about 1,000 workers were ending the first week of work and protesters gathered at two work sites.

https://www.startribune.com/regulators-vote-against-a-stay-on-enbridge-pipeline-with-construction-underway/573293181/