Utility Shrugs Off Lawsuit

Enbridge Inc. is “in full swing” on construction of its 326-mile-long Alberta Clipper pipeline in the U.S. and will not be deterred by a lawsuit filed Sept. 3 by two environmental groups and the Indigenous Environmental Network, says Denise Hamsher, Enbridge spokeswoman. The Sierra Club and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy joined IEN in suing the U.S. State Dept. on the grounds that the permit was issued without impact assessments required by the National Environmental Policy Act and in violation of the Constitution’s assignment of environmental responsibility to Congress. Enbridge Energy Partners LP, Houston, began construction on the 36-in. pipeline last month immediately after receiving a presidential permit, allowing it to cross the border from Canada.