LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Court of Appeals delivered a blow to the Whitmer administration and Attorney General Dana Nessel while simultaneously handing a win to Enbridge Energy and its proposed tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac.
The court’s decision.
The court upheld permits for Enbridge Energy and the tunnel project for its Line 5 pipeline. The court’s decision supports the Michigan Public Service Commission’s authorization of the $500 million initiative, which is being paid for by the Canadian-based Enbridge. This most recent court decision dismissed challenges from environmental groups and Native American tribes who object to the project.
MORE NEWS: Grand Rapids Set to Spend Almost $1.6M on Conferences this Year
State Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) said the court’s decision underscores what Michiganders already know. “Enbridge’s plan to relocate the Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the safest and most efficient way to ensure continued access to a stream of reliable, baseload energy for Michigan homes and businesses.” Rep. Prestin continued, blasting Nessel and calling her an “activist.”
“Those of us who live in rural communities know the Attorney General’s crusade to shut down the pipeline was never realistic. The court made that abundantly clear today,” Rep. Prestin said. “Enbridge did its job and submitted a common-sense proposal to make the pipeline safer, and left-wing activists – empowered by activist Attorney General Dana Nessel – still tried to shut them down.”
A plea to President Trump.
Rep. Prestin, along with dozens of other Michigan lawmakers, penned a letter last year to the U.S. Army and asked them to move the project along. He remains hopeful now that President Donald Trump is in the White House. “I hope this decision encourages President Trump and federal officials to push the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite their review of the tunnel project,” Prestin said.
Environmental pushback.
Environmental groups, along with the Whitmer administration, contend that potential oil spills from Line 5 would be devastating. However, no spills or environmental accidents have been caused by Enbridge since the operation of the pipeline started in 1953.
Line 5 transports 540,000 barrels per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. It provides energy for large portions of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed an alternate plan if Line 5 is shut down that involves more money and complicated transportation.
