Judge dismisses suit over Enbridge oil pipeline expansions

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A federal judge in Minnesota has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the permits for two Enbridge oil pipelines in the Upper Midwest.

The environmental groups who brought the lawsuit claimed the government didn't properly analyze the effects of the two pipelines being built by Enbridge Energy. But U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank disagreed, and said that the government gave the projects a "hard look" before granting permits.

The Alberta Clipper pipeline brings crude oil to the U.S. from Canada's oil sands. It runs from Hardisty, Alta., to Superior, Wis., through Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota.

The Southern Lights pipeline runs from Manhattan, Ill., to Clearbrook, Minn., and hooks up with another line carrying a light petroleum liquid (diluent) to Canada’s oil sands.