Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grilled Over Enbridge Appeal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A member of Gov. Tim Walz’s cabinet has faced sharp questioning for approving an appeal over a pipeline project in a dispute that could cost him his job.

Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley is under fire for appealing the Public Utilities Commission's approval of Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its aging Line 3 pipeline across northern Minnesota. Kelley defended the appeal, saying he’s obligated to ensure that state statues are followed.

Commerce committee chairman Gary Dahms said senators from the Republican majority likely would have forwarded Kelley's nomination without recommendation if they'd been in session. That’s potentially ominous sign.