In his Sept. 6 column in the News Tribune (Local View: “Line 3 opponents continue their delay, delay, delay ”), Up North Jobs Chairman Gerald Tyler called Minnesota citizens who oppose Line 3 “environmental zealots” and Gov. Tim Walz “tone-deaf” on this issue.
Tone deaf is dismissing the 94% of 70,000 comments submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, opposing the Line 3 Replacement Project. Tone deaf is ignoring reasoned and scientifically sound arguments against constructing a tar sands pipeline through Minnesota’s lakes country. And everyday citizens like me who understand that clean water is priceless are definitely not environmental zealots.
A society doesn’t build oil pipelines to create jobs. We build oil pipelines to meet proven public need. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has concluded, based on scientific and economic data, that Minnesota’s oil needs are being met without Line 3. The dying oil industry and its enablers would be more effective providing jobs by helping to create good, long-lasting jobs that help solve problems caused by climate change.
Janet Hill
Duluth
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