ST. PAUL --  The Minnesota Department of Commerce is soliciting input on a draft environmental review of Enbridge Energy's proposed replacement for its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

The release Monday of the environmental review kicks off the public comment period. The $7.5 billion project would replace a pipeline from the 1960s that no longer operates at full capacity. Line 3 begins in Alberta and crosses parts of North Dakota and Minnesota on its way to Superior, Wisconsin.

Enbridge plans to spend $2.6 billion on the 337-mile Minnesota section. Enbridge wants to follow the existing Line 3 corridor part of the way but take a more southerly path for the rest. Environmental and tribal groups oppose it.

Twenty-two public input sessions have been scheduled with written or emailed comments due by July 10.

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