Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Nolan, Department of Energy Approves Great Northern Transmission Line

Statement

Following efforts from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson Rick Nolan, today the U.S. Department of Energy gave federal approval to Minnesota Power's Great Northern Transmission Line, a 220-mile electric transmission line that will cross the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Manitoba and help provide Minnesota electric customers access to reasonably priced, clean, renewable energy. Last year, Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, and Nolan urged support for the project in a letter to Secretary Moniz. In September, the lawmakers sent another letter to Moniz urging a timely review of the project.

"The federal approval of the Great Northern Transmission Line is good news for our economy and our environment," said Klobuchar. "Now that this important project can move forward, more Minnesota households and businesses will have access to clean and renewable power."

"The Great Northern Transmission line with help bring more affordable and reliable renewable energy to northern Minnesota families and businesses," said Franken. "I'm pleased that the federal government has approved this important project to move forward in our state."

"This is an important step to providing more Minnesotans with reliable, affordable, renewable energy," Peterson said. "The Great Northern Transmission Line has broad support from state, local and tribal governments and I am pleased that today's approval will allow Minnesota Power to move ahead with planned construction."

"This is an important project for securing the availability of affordable, renewable electricity in northeastern Minnesota -- especially for residential consumers, as well as our mining, manufacturing, timber and tourism industries," Nolan said. "I am very pleased the project's final stage of review has crossed over the finish line, just in time for the winter construction season. The Great Northern Transmission Line enjoys broad stakeholder support, including local tribes, and has positive energy security and environmental implications for northeastern Minnesota, the Nation, and North America. I especially want to thank Secretary Moniz for his work and responsiveness to our recent request for a timely resolution."