Law enforcement reimbursed from Enbridge-funded account, angering pipeline protesters

DULUTH, Minn. — For expenses ranging from gas masks and holsters, to moving a piano used by protesters and adding extra portable toilets at jails, northern Minnesota law enforcement and fire departments along the Line 3 oil pipeline route are being reimbursed by an Enbridge-funded account managed by the state.

From the start of Line 3 construction Dec. 1 to mid-March, agencies have been reimbursed more than $537,000 for expenses resulting from responding to anti-pipeline protests, attending training programs as far back as 2016, patrolling pipeline property, and protective equipment like helmet shields, according to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission documents Forum News Service received through a public records request.

As part of the PUC’s approval of the 340-mile pipeline’s route permit, the commission ordered Enbridge to fund a Public Safety Escrow Account to “to help existing law enforcement and social service agencies along the route in combatting drug and human trafficking during pipeline construction.”

While it is funded by Enbridge, the reimbursements to law enforcement agencies are considered and distributed by the state’s account manager.

Read more: https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/27/law-enforcement-reimbursed-from-enbridge-funded-account-angering-pipeline-protesters/