ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Petroleum Council released the following statement after the upcoming hearing in St. Cloud on the Line 3 pipeline replacement project was canceled.

"There's no doubt that today's decision to cancel the public meeting on Line 3 is disappointing," said Minnesota Petroleum Council Executive Director Erin Roth. "What's worse is that communities are put in this position by some who actively obstruct civil discourse, stifle free speech, and disrespect those in attendance who are there to respectfully voice their opinion. These hearings are important for Minnesotans to learn more about this important infrastructure project and the benefits that would come from it.

"It's estimated that the Line 3 replacement project would support thousands of Minnesota jobs and generate an estimated $20 million per year in state property taxes. Plus, this project will use the latest and greatest technology aimed at protecting the environment and communities across the state. We hope that this cancellation is an isolated incident and look forward to our continued participation in these hearings throughout Minnesota."

The Minnesota Petroleum Council is a division of API, which represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation's energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.

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SOURCE American Petroleum Institute