Northern Michigan lawmakers back Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project
LANSING, Mich. (UI) — A group of Northern Michigan state representatives reaffirmed their support this week for Enbridge’s plan to build a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to house the Line 5 pipeline.
State Reps. Parker Fairbairn, Karl Bohnak, Cam Cavitt, Greg Markkanen, and Dave Prestin issued a joint statement saying the project is essential for Michigan’s economy and energy security.
“From rural U.P. communities to the diverse industry of Southeast Michigan, the Line 5 pipeline is critical to providing jobs and energy for people and businesses throughout Michigan and the broader Midwest,” the statement said. “Enbridge is going above and beyond to mitigate all potential risks with their operation by proposing a significant investment in our state that would simultaneously protect our environment and secure this key pipeline for many decades to come.”
The lawmakers emphasized the tunnel would bury the pipeline deep below the lakebed, eliminating the risk of an anchor strike spill.
“Completion of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project means the Line 5 pipeline would be buried deep beneath the Straits of Mackinac, removing any chance of an oil spill caused by an anchor strike,” the statement continued. “This pipeline has been safely operational for nearly 80 years. However, even the soundest operations can be improved. That’s why Enbridge is proactively trying to make this investment to upgrade the infrastructure and protect the Great Lakes. We agree – and that’s why it is so frustrating to see activists, inside and outside of state government, oppose the project with emotional and political rhetoric, rather than practical and scientific arguments that support its construction.”
They urged state and federal regulators to complete the lengthy review process.
“As leaders from throughout Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, we fully support the Great Lakes Tunnel Project and strongly encourage state and federal authorities to move quickly to bring the eight (plus) year application and permitting process to a close and let the construction begin,” the lawmakers said. “Enbridge has proven its plan is safe and necessary; it’s time we get this project approved and the work started.”
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