Gov. Whitmer holds Enbridge Energy accountable for illegal defiance of Line 5 shutdown order

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement after Governor Gretchen Whitmer responded to Enbridge Energy’s illegal defiance of her order to cease the company’s pipeline operations in the Straits of Mackinac by May 12. As reported by the Associated Press, Gov. Whitmer warned in a letter to Enbridge that operation of the pipeline after the May 12 deadline will be considered trespassing and the state will seek to seize Enbridge’s profits from Line 5 if operation continues.  

“Line 5 is a ticking time bomb in our Great Lakes and Enbridge Energy — responsible for the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history — must be held accountable for flaunting our laws,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Enbridge’s refusal to shutter the pipeline, which runs the risk of polluting 700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline in the event of a spill, is reckless and unacceptable. Gov. Whitmer’s justified action protects our drinking water, economy and health.”