Lawmakers hear testimony supporting the continuation of Enbridge’s Line 5

LANSING, Mich. — Wednesday, May 12 is the last day that private company Enbridge can legally keep their Line 5 pipeline open for operation.

In November of 2020, Governor Whitmer gave the Canadian-based company 180 days to cease operations. Tuesday, Michigan lawmakers heard testimonies on the floor against shutting down the pipeline.

“The region, including Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec would see a $14.7 million gallons per day shortage of gas, diesel and jet fuel,” Mike Alaimo of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce said on the Senate floor. “This is roughly 45 percent of the current supply.”

If the pipelines were to rupture and leak into the Straits of Mackinac, nearly 700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline could be damaged, as well as the tourism economy. However, shutting down Line 5 would result in a lack of both fuel and jobs in the region.

“We are actually talking about shutting down a pipeline,” said Rep. Beth Griffin (R, Mattawan). “With no plan, no logistics, no explanation to replace it.”

Alternate ways of distributing fuel, like by truck or by plane, have a heavier carbon footprint than the pipeline.

“If you did it in terms of analysis of the climate impact,” said Jason Greer, President of the Michigan Oil and Gas Assocation. “Trucks and rail cars would emit more carbon emissions than a pipeline would.”

However, environmental experts say that the risk of an oil leak disrupting the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy outweighs the risks of shutting down Line 5.

“The risk to the Great Lakes and our economy far outweighs the risk of shutting down and potential job impacts,” Beth Wallace of Great Lakes Campaigns said.

Since the shut down is being fought in court at the moment, Enbridge is unlikely to cease operation by tomorrow.