LANSING — Today, Gov. Rick Snyder announced the state had reached an agreement with oil and gas pipeline operator Enbridge Energy, including further study of its Line 5 beneath the Mackinac Straits and an agreement to halt its use during dangerous weather. In response, state Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement:
“Since coming to Lansing in January, I have been a vocal proponent for shutting down Line 5. We cannot afford to continue putting our water at risk. Some of my fondest memories of growing up in Michigan were taking day trips to enjoy our Great Lakes, which are part of what makes living and vacationing in Michigan so special. Line 5 presents a terrible risk to our Great Lakes, which is why I introduced a resolution earlier this year to call on the governor and the attorney general to shut down Line 5. I’ve also introduced other legislation to improve pipeline safety. While further study of the Line 5 issue is important, that is not enough. Michiganders deserve action, not more talk. This agreement puts faith in a foreign company with an abysmal environmental track record that has proven it cannot be trusted. I believe we can find a solution that protects our Great Lakes, provides for our energy needs, and creates more well-paid, union jobs. This agreement is not that solution.”
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