Rep. Jeff Irwin: “Unfortunately, after months and months of study, they’re calling for a study to determine what to do. The report’s boldest proposal is to prevent heavy crude from going through Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac. The thing is, heavy crude does not flow through the pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Essentially, they are touting the recommendation that does nothing to add to pipeline safety. While they simply suggest considering legislation, my colleagues and I already took action earlier this year and introduced legislation. House Bills 4511-4514 would, among other things, require state oversight, emergency response plans, and siting requirements in order to protect Michigan’s Great Lakes.”
Rep. Sarah Roberts: “Today the Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force released a report on issues related to pipeline safety. I am greatly disappointed that their report as a whole is much ado about nothing. Although I appreciate they incorporated a few of our suggestions which we introduced in a package of bills (like requiring mandatory oil spill release response drills), the report recommends more studying, examining options and create a public advisory committee on the issue. We know we need stronger regulations. It is time to act. And, it is time for the chair of the Natural Resources Committee to take up our bills and begin hearings on pipeline safety.”