North Michigan News

Rep. Cam Cavitt has expressed his support for the Michigan Public Service Commission's decision to authorize Enbridge Energy to update its Line 5 pipeline. This decision brings Enbridge one step closer to replacing the section of Line 5 that crosses the Straits of Mackinac with a new pipeline encased in a concrete-lined tunnel.

In a statement, Rep. Cavitt praised the decision, stating, "MPSC made the right call today, but it doesn't excuse the overzealous effort to delay and kill the Enbridge proposal." He emphasized the importance of Line 5, as it supplies over half of the propane used in Michigan and is one of the largest taxpayers in Cheboygan County. Without the tax revenue from Line 5, entire school districts would be at risk of closure.

While Enbridge has received approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission, they are still awaiting a permitting decision from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the construction of the proposed tunnel. The Corps is currently in the process of collecting and reviewing data.

Line 5 has been in operation since 1953 and supplies regional refineries with gas, diesel, and jet fuels. Enbridge's proposed $500 million investment in the tunnel would improve operational safety by eliminating the risk of an anchor strike and provide better access for inspections and maintenance work.

Rep. Cavitt also addressed concerns raised by environmental activists regarding potential oil spills, stating, "Enbridge is ready to address safety concerns by updating aging infrastructure. Instead of moving quickly, bureaucrats have held Enbridge back at every opportunity. This is another example of Lansing Democrats catering to environmental extremists who won't be satisfied until Line 5 is shutdown and our community loses our home heating."

The approval of the Line 5 tunnel by the Michigan Public Service Commission is seen as a positive step forward for Enbridge and the state of Michigan. With further permitting decisions still pending, the project is not yet finalized, but the support from Rep. Cavitt highlights the importance of Line 5 to the community and the need for updated infrastructure to ensure its continued operation.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-cavitt-line-5-tunnel-approval-right-decision-for-michigan