LANSING — Sen. Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor) has issued the following statement on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement today to revoke and terminate the 1953 easement that has allowed Enbridge to operate the Line 5 petroleum pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac:
“Thank you to Governor Whitmer for taking bold, decisive action to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline and protect the Straits of Mackinac and our Great Lakes. For the last 67 years, Enbridge has continually prioritized profits over people, and put our state at risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes that could devastate our economy and way of life. Today’s announcement is a crucial move for our families, our businesses, and our economy as a whole. I’m glad to have a proven advocate for our Great Lakes and environment in the governor’s office and proudly stand with her on this decision.”
In 2015, as a state representative, Sen. Irwin hosted a press conference to call on former Governor Rick Snyder and former Attorney General Bill Schuette to take immediate action in initiating the termination clause in the agreement between Enbridge and the State of Michigan.
Today’s notice sent to Enbridge will require the company to cease its operations of Line 5 by May 2021.
###