API-MN supports passage of bill focused on protecting critical energy infrastructure

ST. PAUL -- API’s Minnesota Petroleum Council Director Erin Roth released the following statement applauding the passage of SF 2011, an important bill focused on protecting critical energy infrastructure in Minnesota following the recent attempts of sabotage on Line 3.

“Late Friday, the Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public Finance Committee recognized, with no opposition votes, the need to be proactive in an attempt to hopefully deter those persons who want to cause future damage and interrupt oil pipeline operations in Minnesota from attempting these crimes,” said Roth.

“The natural gas and oil industry takes sabotage attempts of pipelines extremely seriously, as the safety of our communities, the environment, and our workers is our number one priority. In addition, we also want to ensure that there is no service interruption to those who rely on reliable and affordable energy to heat their homes.

“The recent incidents in northern Minnesota where out of state perpetrators attempted to disrupt Enbridge Line 3 operations shows that this is a real threat to pipeline operations in Minnesota as we move closer to getting the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project constructed.
 
“We are optimistic about this important step in the right direction and continue to work on the bill with the MN Building Trades who build and modernize our infrastructure to make sure our operations are safe around the clock. We strongly encourage the Minnesota House to follow suit and pass this important piece of legislation.”

The Minnesota Petroleum Council is a division of API, which represents all segments of America's natural gas and oil industry. Its nearly 620 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation's energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 45 million Americans.