West Central Michigan News

A group of state Representatives from Northern Michigan, including Reps. Cam Cavitt, Neil Friske, Greg Markkanen, Dave Prestin, and Curt VanderWall, have expressed their satisfaction with the Michigan Public Service Commission's approval of a key permit for Enbridge to replace and improve Line 5, a crucial passageway for the region.

Representative VanderWall, of Ludington, emphasized the significance of Line 5 for Northern Michigan, stating, "Line 5 is crucial to our region given the number of people who heat their homes with fuel that comes directly from the pipeline. Shutting it down would burden folks who are already struggling to make ends meet with even higher costs."

The Michigan Public Service Commission, in a 2-0 decision with one abstention, granted Enbridge the key permit, marking the first step towards constructing a new, safer pipeline tunnel. Representative Prestin, of Cedar River, expressed gratitude towards the commission, stating, "I'm thankful to the commission for realizing that the alternative options are not really options at all. Our whole infrastructure is built around propane, and Line 5 is the major artery supplying that resource. Cutting it off would be lethal."

Representative Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, acknowledged the commission's decision but voiced concern over efforts to delay and kill the Enbridge proposal, saying, "MPSC made the right call today, but it doesn't excuse the overzealous effort to delay and kill the Enbridge proposal. The operation of Line 5 is essential. Enbridge is one of the largest taxpayers in Cheboygan County. Without Line 5 tax revenue, entire school districts would be forced to close."

The permit granted permission to re-route a 4-mile section of the 645-mile petroleum pipeline into a concrete tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. This pipeline delivers 22.7 million gallons of crude oil per day, which is refined into propane used for heating and cooking. Representative Markkanen, R-Hancock, highlighted the importance of the tunnel, stating, "This is the best and safest option for Yoopers. There is no other realistic way to move natural gas without a pipeline. Trucking would be nearly impossible and would have a far greater negative impact. This is a common-sense solution that makes sense for everyone."

Representative Friske, of Charlevoix, emphasized the significance of the decision, stating, "This is the safest and most efficient way to do one of the things Michigan does best: harness natural resources into power and opportunity for the entire nation and beyond. The fight isn't over just yet, but the biggest battle so far has now been won."

While the decision is seen as a positive step for the future of Line 5, environmental groups have expressed their intention to challenge the decision in court.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/northern-michigan-reps-praise-public-service-commission-for-line-5-decision-5