Michigan LCV statement on Line 5 tunnel legislation

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (Michigan LCV) today issued the following statement after the Senate Government Operations Committee approved Senate Bill 1197, extending the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s (MBA) responsibilities to oversight of a proposed tunnel to replace Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac. Extending the MBA’s role to overseeing a tunneled pipeline has been met with widespread criticism from current and former MBA members, businesses that depend on the Great Lakes and others.

“A vote for Senate Bill 1197 is a vote to keep Line 5 operating for another decade or more, despite its damaged condition and the grave risk it poses to our Great Lakes, drinking water, economy and our ‘Pure Michigan’ way of life,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director at the Michigan LCV.  “We urge lawmakers in the Senate to stand up for our Great Lakes and reject any and all legislative efforts that would allow Enbridge Energy to continue pumping oil under the Straits of Mackinac.”

“The Mackinac Bridge Authority’s job is to look after the iconic bridge that connects Michigan’s two peninsulas, not oversee a risky new oil tunnel that would continue pumping millions of gallons of oil under our most precious natural resource each day,” Wozniak added.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018

Contact: Katie Parrish, Communications Director, (239) 537-9507