A new report was released Wednesday on the potential economic impact of shutting down Enbridge’s Line 5.
The pipeline carries light crude oil and natural gas liquids from northwestern Wisconsin to Ontario and runs through the Straits of Mackinac.
The report from the Consumer Energy Alliance concluded that if the pipeline is shut down, businesses and industries in Michigan would pay more than $2.2 billion dollars more for transportation fuel every year, over the next five years.
Michigan’s fourth-district Congressman John Moolenaar supports the study and says Michiganders can no longer endure another increase in fuel costs
"Line Five is vital for Michigan energy," said Moolenaar. "And it [the report] shows that closing the line is really not an option and that Michigan families and businesses can't afford another $2 billion annually."
Moolenaar also said that Enbridge’s proposed tunnel project for Line 5 will also be beneficial.
"It’s the safest way to have this energy move," said Moolenaar. "This is a modernization of our infrastructure and I think it really provides added safety and reliability."
Environmental groups and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have pushed to close Line 5. Enbridge did not comply with Gov. Whitmer's order and took the case to court. They argue that Enbridge has a troubling environmental record and if there’s a leak, the pipeline could cause serious damage to the Great Lakes.
