Madison, Wis – Yesterday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the issuance of the permits needed to construct the Line 5 relocation project in Northwestern Wisconsin. In response, several of Wisconsin’s leading labor unions, farm organizations and small business groups praised the decision. Quotes include:
Brad Olson, President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau
“Wisconsin farmers simply can’t do their jobs without the propane, diesel and gas made possible by pipelines like Line 5. The issuance of the DNR’s Line 5 permits is a huge step forward for our state’s farmers and the hundreds of thousands of people that depend on our agricultural industry to feed their families.”
Corey Gall, president of the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association
“This is a huge win for our state’s workers and families who depend on the energy made possible by Line 5. Wisconsin union pipe welders, who go through the most extensive training on earth, stand ready to get to work on this critical project that will ensure Line 5 continues to supply Wisconsin families with the energy they need.”
Cheryl Lytle, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association
“Wisconsin’s propane suppliers have been patiently waiting over four years for the DNR to review this project and ensure this vital piece of the regional propane infrastructure continues to operate. We are thankful for the Wisconsin DNR’s diligence and hopeful our state can now avoid the supply and price shock closing down Line 5 would have on the 280,000 families, farms and businesses that depend on propane for heat and fuel.”
Kent Miller, President/Business Manager of the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council
“The DNR’s Line 5 construction permits confirm that Enbridge’s construction plans and route will have the least environmental impact possible, which was very important to our union. This project will employ 700 union workers, including many skilled LIUNA members. We look forward to getting to work on this important project to ensure our state’s workers and families have access to the energy Line 5 makes possible.”
Pat Nemec, owner of LK1 Services and member of the Bad River Tribe
“As a member of the Bad River Band, Ashland resident, and small business owner, I am glad to see the DNR recognize what us supporters of this project have been asserting for some time, that this is a necessary project that has been thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact. The 700 jobs, millions in additional tax revenues, and opportunities for both Native workers and Native-owned businesses involved in this project are a win for the Ashland area and for the members of the Bad River Tribe.”
Robb Kahl, Executive Director of the Construction Business Group
“Moving forward with the Line 5 relocation is the right thing for Wisconsin’s workers, our economy, and our energy security. The DNR’s exhaustive and comprehensive review of the project has resulted in a construction process that will have little to no impact on the environment while keeping a critical piece of energy infrastructure operational. We look forward to the best-trained and hardest-working men and women of Wisconsin’s trade unions getting to work on the Line 5 relocation.”
Bill Carroll, President of the Wisconsin Teamsters Joint Council 39
“After four years of thorough and careful analysis, these permits signify the Line 5 relocation project will be constructed following Wisconsin environmental standards and in a manner that will protect our state’s natural resources. Our highly trained and skilled members look forward to getting to work on this important project.”
Terry McGowan, President/Business Manager for Wisconsin’s Operating Engineers Local 139
“On behalf of the 11,500 members of the Operating Engineers Local 139 we are grateful for the incredibly thorough analysis and thoughtful approach the DNR took in the issuance of these permits. Our members can’t wait to get to work on the Line 5 relocation project that will ensure the continued safe operation of a critical source of energy for our state and region. Wisconsinites can be certain our members, and the other trade unions working on this project, will build the safest pipeline in the country.”
