 A group of Minnesota lawmakers do not want taxpayers to foot the bill for the state's appeal of the Enbridge Line 3 Oil Pipeline Project. Today, a Senate panel passed a bill that would prevent the Minnesota Department of Commerce from putting state funds towards an appeal of the construction project, that's according to the Forum News Communications. The proposal comes after the Walls administration last month announced that it would renew an appeal for the Pipeline Replacement Project, planned for Northern Minnesota. National advocates and a state deputy commissioner opposed the bill, saying the legal process should be allowed to run its course. Enbridge earlier this month announced that it would delay its timeline on the project due to slower than expected permitting in Minnesota. Officials from the company said the pipeline wouldn't be operational until the second half of 2020. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.