LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- Governor Rick Snyder will allow oil to continue to flow through a controversial pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
Last month a state panel created by the governor recommended temporarily shutting down Enbridge’s Line 5. That's until problems with the pipeline’s external coating could be addressed.
Monday Governor Snyder rejected that idea. He says tests show the oil pipeline is not at “imminent” risk of failing. He says shutting the pipeline down likely would create a propane “supply crisis.”
Michael Shriberg is a member of the pipeline safety panel.
“You know as a governor you either want input from independent outside experts—and I believe that’s why myself and others were brought on to the board—or you don’t,” he says.
Shriberg hopes the board will be able to influence future decisions about Line 5.