A group of state Representatives from Northern Michigan, including Reps. Cam Cavitt, Neil Friske, Greg Markkanen, Dave Prestin, and Curt VanderWall, today celebrated the Michigan Public Service Commission’s approval of a key permit allowing Enbridge to replace and improve the local Line 5 passageway.

“This is a huge win for Northern Michigan,” said VanderWall, of Ludington. “Line 5 is crucial to our region given the number of people who heat their homes with fuel that comes directly from the pipeline. Shutting it down would burden folks who are already struggling to make ends meet with even higher costs.”

The Michigan Public Service Commission ruled in a 2-0 decision (the third being an abstention) to grant Enbridge a key permit, which is the first step towards breaking ground on a new safer pipeline tunnel. 

“I’m thankful to the commission for realizing that the alternative options are not really options at all,” said Prestin, of Cedar River. “Our whole infrastructure is built around propane, and Line 5 is the major artery supplying that resource. Cutting it off would be lethal.”

“MPSC made the right call today, but it doesn’t excuse the overzealous effort to delay and kill the Enbridge proposal,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “The operation of Line 5 is essential. Enbridge is one the largest taxpayers in Cheboygan County. Without Line 5 tax revenue, entire school districts would be forced to close.” 

The commission granted permission to re-route a 4-mile section of the 645-mile petroleum pipeline into a concrete tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The pipeline delivers 22.7 million gallons of crude oil per day that is refined into propane, used for heating and cooking.

 “This is the best and safest option for Yoopers,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “There is no other realistic way to move natural gas without a pipeline. Trucking would be nearly impossible and would have a far greater negative impact. This is a common-sense solution that makes sense for everyone.”

“This is the safest and most efficient way to do one of the things Michigan does best: harness natural resources into power and opportunity for the entire nation and beyond,” said Friske, of Charlevoix. “The fight isn’t over just yet, but the biggest battle so far has now been won.” 

The decision comes as a positive step for the future of the pipeline, though various environmental groups have said they plan to challenge the decision in court.

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