Coalition Expresses Support For Pipeline As PSC Concludes Public Review

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WILLISTON – Members of the Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now (MAIN), a coalition of stakeholders from the business, labor, and agricultural communities, reiterated their support for the Dakota Access Pipeline following today’s Public Service Commission hearing in Williston. In addition to offering comments to the PSC in person on Friday, members issued the following statements in support of the PSC’s careful consideration and approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“The Public Service Commission hearing in Williston concludes an important chapter in the permitting process for this essential project,” said Andy Peterson, President of the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce. “North Dakota’s energy revolution has come with the challenge of improving and expanding our infrastructure. The Dakota Access Pipeline is a key piece of that expansion, and we stand in support of this project. We are encouraged with the public support we have seen at these meetings, and urge the PSC to approve the application. “

“The Dakota Access Pipeline will put thousands of North Dakotans to work,” added Pam Link of the Laborers District of North Dakota and Minnesota. “These paychecks will help support local families and be injected into our local economy.  Our members have the experience and training to ensure that this project is done right and will provide our state with a reliable, safe, and efficient way to move our energy resources to consumers.”

The pipeline is expected to generate around $55 million annually in property taxes to the state.

“The Dakota Access Pipeline is the right solution not only for the state but the region as a whole,” said Ed Wiederstein, chairman of the Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now. “By removing around a half million barrels of crude oil off of the rails each day, North Dakota’s farmers will enjoy better access to  rail cars for grain and other crops. Choosing an efficient and reliable way to move our energy resources makes sense from both an economic and environmental perspective, and we see this project as an enormous benefit for the Northern Plains.”

Members of MAIN include the Laborers District of North Dakota and Minnesota, Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, and more. The Alliance’s website, www.MWAllianceNow.org, is updated regularly with new information, blog posts, and other materials relevant to the ongoing debate surrounding infrastructure projects in the Midwest.

About MAIN: The Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now (MAIN) is a partnership of entities from agriculture, business, and labor sectors aimed at supporting the economic development and energy security benefits associated with infrastructure projects in the Midwest. Visit us online at www.MWAllianceNow.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.