Photo: Stop Line 3 Group

From WDIO-TV - March 28, 2021

Community members marched through downtown Duluth in protest of the Line 3 pipeline Sunday morning.

The group marched through the downtown area, led by Indigenous Water Protectors. The group stopped in front of the Duluth branch of Wells Fargo.

Organizers of the event say they did this to draw attention to the bank, claiming the bank is investing in fossil fuel infrastructure projects. Across the street from Wells Fargo, a banner was dropped from a parking garage that read “Stop Line 3 For Future Generations!”

Construction has continued seeing resistance led by Indigenous groups who see the project as a violation of treaty rights.

An organizer of the event, Sophia Langer, issued a written statement saying:

"We came out today to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines of the fight against the Line 3 expansion project. We came out to protect the water and land. By marching, we show banks like Wells Fargo that have for years financed the climate crisis and projects of cultural genocide that we will not accept the status quo any longer. We’re calling on Governor Walz and President Biden to honor the treaties and stop Line 3."

Juli Kellner, a spokesperson for Enbridge issued a written statement in response to the protest saying:

"We hoped all parties would come to accept the outcome of the thorough, science based review and multiple approvals of the project. Line 3 has passed every test through six years of regulatory and permitting review including 70 public comment meetings, appellate review and reaffirmation of a 13,500-page EIS, four separate reviews by administrative law judges, 320 route modifications in response to stakeholder input, and multiple reviews and approvals on the state, federal and tribal levels."

Kellner went on to say that Enbridge has demonstrated ongoing respect for tribal sovereignty, saying as the result of negotiations with tribal leadership, Line 3 was routed outside of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation and through the Reservation of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

"Both Leech Lake and Fond du Lac have spoken and written repeatedly in support of project permits. The replacement of Line 3 is an essential maintenance and safety project that enhances environmental protections. It also is creating significant economic benefits for Minnesota counties, small businesses, Native American communities, and union members," said Kellner.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/protest-line-3-downtown-duluth-/6056069/?cat=10335