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New pipeline tunnel plan passes through state Senate

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Legislation that would allow for a proposed multi-use tunnel to send oil and natural gas liquids under the Straits of Mackinac passed in the state Senate today.

That’s because it would allow the decades old pipeline that currently transports oil and natural gas liquids under the Straits to stay open while the tunnel is built. Possibly for a decade.

Legislation approved by the Senate calls for a commission to oversee the multi-use tunnel that would be built and used by Enbridge Energy.

Senator Wayne Schmidt says they are moving as quickly as possible. The three-member commission serving 6-year terms would be chosen by Governor Rick Snyder – not incoming Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer.

“We’re doing the tunnel now. We want to get the tunnel moving forward.”

Opponents say the tunnel is not a good solution and they say Line 5 should have been shut down years ago.