State regulators order more pipeline review

Published 9:56 am Friday, September 12, 2014

ST. PAUL — Minnesota regulators have requested an expanded study of possible routes for $2.6 billion crude oil pipeline through the state.

The 3-2 vote by the state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday will likely delay the Sandpiper project proposed by Enbridge Energy. The Calgary, Alberta-based company wants to build the 610-mile pipeline through northern Minnesota to carry North Dakota oil to Wisconsin.

The commission called for further study of the environmental impact of six possible routes suggested by critics of Enbridge’s planned route, which crosses many rivers, lakes and wetlands.

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