Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Line 5 closed a year ago, citing safety concerns. The Biden administration is now involved. But chances of an imminent shutdown appear slim. We lay out some of the hurdles.
Enbridge
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan tribes to Biden: Enbridge Line 5 threatens our treaty rights
Tribal leaders have called upon the Biden administration to make “a serious commitment” to uphold the rights of Michigan tribes and shut down Line 5. Last week, Canada cited a 1977 treaty with the U.S. in hopes of keeping Line 5 open for the Canadian-based company.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Hoping to avoid Enbridge Line 5 shutdown, Canada asks U.S. to negotiate
Canada argues a 1977 treaty between the nations leaves Gov. Gretchen Whitmer powerless to order Line 5 shutdown. A lawyer for Canada asked a federal judge to halt the lawsuit until diplomats can talk.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Should Michigan, other states let nature clean up oil spills?
Natural populations of oil-degrading bacteria could help to clean up freshwater rivers and lakes after spills from pipelines and trains, but it’s not clear whether using bacteria could pose problems for the surrounding environment.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge ordered to retrieve 15,000-lb. anchor from Straits of Mackinac
Line 5 sustained no damage during the incident, which occurred as a result of an equipment failure while crews were doing maintenance work on the dual-span pipeline at the bottom of the Straits.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Fish, propane, cash: Not everyone loves Enbridge generosity in the Straits
Since the company’s oil pipelines became a hot-button political topic in Michigan, Enbridge has steadily ramped up its physical and philanthropic presence in the Straits. Some see the generosity as infused with ulterior motives.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Army Corps decision could tack years onto Enbridge Line 5 tunnel timeline
The federal agency announced plans to thoroughly review the project’s potential environmental impacts on the Straits of Mackinac. The process also requires the agency to consider alternatives to the tunnel project.
Posted inMichigan Government
$1.5B for Michigan child care in limbo as GOP plays hardball with Whitmer
Republicans are using budget stalemate to hold up child care money and try to kill mask mandates, any plans for a vaccine passport and efforts to stop Line 5. They won’t likely have much luck.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan vows to seek Line 5 profits if Enbridge defies shutdown order
In a letter Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put Enbridge on notice that if the company keeps operating Line 5 in the Straits beyond Wednesday, the state will pursue legal action to recoup any profits Enbridge amasses from “wrongful use of the State’s property.”
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On eve of Line 5 shutdown deadline, Enbridge vows to defy Michigan order
The Canadian petroleum company technically has until Wednesday night to stop piping oil through the Straits of Mackinac, according to the state of Michigan. But what happens if the company refuses to abide by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order?