LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- The state House is looking at new policies surrounding Michigan’s underwater pipelines – the most controversial one being Enbridge’s Line 5. It sends crude oil and natural gas liquid under the Straits of Mackinac.
Legislation passed during a House committee Tuesday. It would increase state reporting requirements and add more spill prevention plan requirements for owners of pipelines.
Sean McBrearty is with Clean Water Action. He says the bills don’t do enough to protect the Great Lakes from spills.
“What the rest of these bills are is frankly window dressing. These bills are there to make it look like we’re doing something to protect the Great Lakes when in fact we’re not.”
Supporters of the Legislation say it would get the state more involved in overseeing and protecting the Great Lakes.
Ryan Duffy of Enbridge’s Line 5 says, “Our focus is and has always been the safe and reliable delivery of energy for Michiganders. Line 5 is a vital part of Michigan’s energy infrastructure having safely delivered energy for more than six decades. Improvements that we have already made – through our rigorous inspection and maintenance programs – and current discussions with the State will make a safe pipeline even safer.”