LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A federal appellate panel has ruled that a state court must decide the future of Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 segment through the Straits of Mackinac.

The appeals court decision has little to do with the merits of the case; instead, it hinges on Enbridge missing a deadline to move the case from a state to a federal court.

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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is leading the Whitmer administration’s effort to close the pipeline. Environmental groups are pleased with the appellate panel’s decision, as a state court is more likely to recognize the power of state regulators to make decisions about the pipeline.

Line 5 supplies a significant amount of propane to fuel the Upper Peninsula and keep residents warm in the winter. Gov. Whitmer has not offered a significant or affordable alternate energy plan if Line 5 is shut down.

Enbridge Energy is still moving forward with its Great Lakes Tunnel Project. It’s spending $500 million of its own money to build a tunnel to encase Line 5 and keep fuel flowing safely through the pipe.