Canadian energy company Enbridge has spent more than $500,000 to cover law enforcement expenses related to construction of its Line 3 oil pipeline in northern Minnesota, according to documents obtained by the Reformer through a public records request.
The payments come from a requirement in project permits, which mandated that Enbridge create a trust to reimburse law enforcement and social service organizations for wages, mileage, training and protective gear related to Line 3 construction.
The stipulation was intended to prevent Line 3 from becoming a strain on local agencies’ budgets, as small, rural police and sheriffs departments contend with increased traffic and hazards brought about by construction. But experts and pipeline opponents say they’re concerned the fund could influence officers’ activities as relationships between law enforcement and protesters become increasingly tense. Continue reading.