Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced she will use every resource available to shut down the Line 5 pipeline beneath the straits of Mackinac.
On Monday, Nessel released a statement saying that while she respects the Governor’s effort to find a swift resolution to the pipeline problem she would use every resource available to shut down the pipeline if the Governor’s efforts were unsuccessful.
Nessel’s comments come after Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in an interview with the Detroit News earlier this month that she was still open to building a utility tunnel beneath the straits to house the pipeline.
Kelly Rossman-McKinney is a spokesperson for the Attorney General. She said the A.G. respects the Governor’s efforts in working with Enbridge and finding a way to ensure the UP can meet its energy needs.
“She does not believe however that the tunnel is the best, safest, and least expensive way to meet Michigan’s energy needs.”
Rossman-McKinney said Nessel supports the appointment of an Upper Peninsula energy task force that would review other energy options like renewable sources.
“If you can find alternative ways to provide energy then why would you risk the safety of the Great Lakes in building a tunnel?”
Rossman-McKinney said the Attorney General is hoping to see the Governor release a plan for decommissioning Line 5 by June 1st.
A spokesperson for Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she is committed to finding a solution that protects the Great Lakes, removes pipelines from the straits, and provides for the Upper Peninsula’s energy needs. You can read the full statement below:
The Governor is committed to a solution that protects the Great Lakes, removes the pipelines from the Straits as soon as possible, and provides for the Upper Peninsula’s energy needs. Discussions with Enbridge and stakeholders are ongoing, and those discussions will help advise the Governor on the next steps moving forward.
A spokesperson for Enbridge Energy, which oversees the pipeline, released a statement saying they believe the tunnel is the best way to protect Michigan waters while “ ensuring families, manufacturers and other businesses safely receive the energy transported through Line 5.” The full statement is below:
We believe the tunnel project is the best way to protect the waters of the Great Lakes while ensuring families, manufacturers and other businesses safely receive the energy transported through Line 5.
We continue to provide information to the Governor’s office and to seek clarification from the Administration on a path forward for the tunnel project.