Press Release

November 13, 2020

ELPC Applauds Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s Decisive Action to Revoke Easement for Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline

Governor’s action is important step to reduce Line 5 risk to treasured Lake Michigan, safe drinking water and climate change. Planned Shutdown in May 2021.

STATEMENT BY MARGRETHE KEARNEY
SENIOR ATTORNEY, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER

“We applaud Gov. Whitmer’s decisive action to revoke the easement for Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge has been in violation of the easement for years, and their continued neglect has presented unacceptable risks of an oil spill in the Great Lakes. Line 5 has suffered clear damage from anchor strikes over the past few years, and these “close calls” have brought home how devastating a spill would be to our treasured Lake Michigan and the drinking water and natural resources it provides.

“The governor’s announcement today is also an important step toward removing unnecessary infrastructure that exacerbates climate change. The temporary shutdown of Line 5 this summer demonstrated that the pipeline isn’t needed. The Environmental Law & Policy Center for years has been advocating for a pragmatic approach to addressing the dangers of this deteriorating 67-year old pipeline for the Great Lakes, both from a spill and from the impacts of climate change. Gov. Whitmer is exhibiting true leadership by taking action based on smart, scientific analysis of the multiple threats posed by Line 5.”

Learn more about ELPC’s work to protect the Great Lakes here.