LANSING — Today, Gov. Snyder announced that an agreement has been reached with Enbridge Energy to continue operating the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac while a tunnel is constructed. Construction of the tunnel is expected to take 7-10 years, putting the pipeline another 7-10 years beyond warranty. In response, state Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement:
“Line 5 is dangerous to our health, our Lakes and our economy. There are ways to address this threat that would protect good paying union jobs and our environment, while continuing to meet the UP’s energy needs. Governor Snyder’s decision ignores the danger Line 5 poses and puts Michiganders at even greater risk by allowing Enbridge Energy — a corporation that has lied to us in the past — to keep profiting off a pipeline that continues to threaten our Great Lakes. This decision to lock us into a long-term agreement does not solve the problem and should not have been so hastily made without the input from key community stakeholders.
“Through this announcement, Gov. Snyder has completely disrespected his own process and the citizens of this state. I’m calling on the Governor to press pause before committing us all to this long-term deal. He must allow the next Governor and the next Legislature to review this deal to ensure Michiganders — and not corporations — are the ones who benefit.”
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