Enbridge Spends Most In Minnesota On Lobbying, Report Finds

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A new report shows a Canadian oil pipeline company spent $11 million last year lobbying leaders in Minnesota, where the company is fighting to replace its aging Line 3 pipeline despite opposition from tribes and environmentalists.

The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board released data this week that show nearly all of Enbridge Energy Partners' lobbying money was used advocating before the Public Utilities Commission.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports that it marks the second consecutive year the company has outspent all other lobbyists in the state.

The company gained the commission's approval to replace the pipeline, which angered Native American tribes and climate change activists who say the project threatens fragile areas.

The pipeline currently runs from Alberta, Canada, across North Dakota and Minnesota to Enbridge's terminal in Superior, Wisconsin.

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