North Michigan News

A group of state Representatives from Northern Michigan, including Reps. Cam Cavitt, Neil Friske, Greg Markkanen, Dave Prestin, and Curt VanderWall, have expressed their support for the Michigan Public Service Commission's recent decision to grant Enbridge a key permit for the replacement and improvement of Line 5.

In a 2-0 decision, with one abstention, the commission approved the permit, marking the first step towards the construction of a safer pipeline tunnel. This news has been welcomed by the Northern Michigan Representatives who believe that Line 5 is vital for the region.

Representative VanderWall of Ludington stated, "This is a huge win for Northern Michigan. 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."

Representative Prestin of Cedar River highlighted the importance of Line 5 in the region's infrastructure, stating, "I'm thankful to the commission for realizing that the alternative options are not really options at all. Our whole infrastructure is built around propane, and Line 5 is the major artery supplying that resource. Cutting it off would be lethal."

While celebrating the commission's decision, Representative Cavitt of Cheboygan expressed concerns over the efforts to delay and oppose the Enbridge proposal. He stated, "MPSC made the right call today, but it doesn't excuse the overzealous effort to delay and kill the Enbridge proposal. The operation of Line 5 is essential. Enbridge is one of the largest taxpayers in Cheboygan County. Without Line 5 tax revenue, entire school districts would be forced to close."

The approved permit allows for the re-routing of a 4-mile section of the 645-mile petroleum pipeline into a concrete tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. This pipeline plays a crucial role in delivering 22.7 million gallons of crude oil per day, which is refined into propane used for heating and cooking.

Representative Markkanen of Hancock emphasized the importance of the decision for the residents of the Upper Peninsula, stating, "This is the best and safest option for Yoopers. 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."

Representative Friske of Charlevoix acknowledged the significance of the decision, stating, "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. The fight isn't over just yet, but the biggest battle so far has now been won."

While the decision has been praised by the Northern Michigan Representatives, environmental groups have expressed their intention to challenge the decision in court. However, this positive step taken by the Michigan Public Service Commission marks a significant milestone in the future of Line 5.

To find out more, go to this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/northern-michigan-reps-praise-public-service-commission-for-line-5-decision-3