Planned Legislation Could Curb Great Lakes Oil Pipelines
LANSING (AP) — A Republican state lawmaker says he'll introduce legislation to stop future oil pipelines in the Great Lakes and require the Straits of Mackinac's Enbridge pipeline to undergo an independent safety review.
Grand Ledge Sen. Rick Jones announced his plan Monday.
Jones says it's only a matter of time before Enbridge Line 5 bursts. His bill would shutter that pipeline — and others — if a safety review deems it unsafe.
Enbridge spokesman Ryan Duffy says the company works daily to ensure the pipeline is in "top condition," and it's crucial for Michigan energy.
Meanwhile, contractors have an extra week to submit proposals to the state for underwater oil pipelines studies of the waterway separating Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. Two lines beneath it carry 23 million gallons of oil daily.
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