Future Unclear For Northern Minnesota Pipeline

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The future is unclear for a proposed oil pipeline that would cross northern Minnesota.

Enbridge Energy says the Canadian company is investing in a different pipeline that would transport North Dakota crude oil — but not across Minnesota.

Enbridge has proposed the $2.6 billion Sandpiper pipeline that would run from the Bakken oil fields through Minnesota to a terminal in Superior, Wisconsin.

Enbridge, based in Calgary, Alberta, and Houston-based Marathon Petroleum, a key partner in Sandpiper, are forming a joint venture to buy a stake in the Bakken Pipeline project, which would transport oil from North Dakota across the Midwest to Texas.

Enbridge says once the new Bakken pipeline deal is complete, the company will "evaluate the scope and timing" of Sandpiper.

Environmentalists contend Sandpiper would threaten ecologically sensitive areas.