Highlight need for energy production, Great Lakes Tunnel Project
When U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel recently joined U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) to meet with energy leaders, Michigan’s role in the United States’ energy future played a prominent role.
On Sept. 26, Zeldin, Vogel and Barrett toured Enbridge’s Stockbridge Terminal, which temporarily stores crude oil as it moves through the Enbridge liquids pipeline system to connect supply to regional refineries.
From left, U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Enbridge’s Brian Buck, Mike Moeller, Peter Holran, and Josh Pierce. Photo courtesy Carolyn Holran, U.S. EPA.
Barrett and Zeldin toured the facility and participated in an energy roundtable discussion with a dozen Michigan energy leaders.
Zeldin shared his support of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project, noting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. EPA collaboratively performed comprehensive due diligence in assessing and providing federal permits for the project.
"The federal agencies worked together over the course of years, over the course of multiple administrations," Zeldin said.
"And at the conclusion of that process of due diligence, the permits were issued."
"Line 5 is vital energy infrastructure for Michigan and the region. Building the Line 5 Tunnel makes a safe pipeline safer."
Mike Moeller
Enbridge Operations Director,
Liquids Pipelines Great Lakes Region
In August, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit advancing construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel in the Straits.
“This is a project that is a long time coming, with great need for us and our country. It’s important for our economy. It’s important for our national security.”
Barrett, who represents Michigan’s seventh congressional district, said moving forward with the Great Lakes Tunnel and maintaining Enbridge Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac will have an impact on the state and its people.
“This specific pipeline that you’re talking about is a vital artery for movement of materials, specifically for propane,” said Barrett.
“And Michigan is the leading state for home heating with propane. More than any other state in the union.”
In addition to citing the importance of Line 5 and the Great Lakes Tunnel to the region’s energy future, participants discussed the need to expand reliable energy production and maintain critical infrastructure.
“We appreciate that Administrator Zeldin, Regional Administrator Vogel and Congressman Barrett chose to visit our Stockbridge Terminal,” said Mike Moeller, Enbridge director, Great Lakes Region, whose team facilitated the meeting.
“Their insights reinforce the importance of all critical energy infrastructure and specifically the importance of Line 5 in the Straits to our residents, region and the United States.”
Moeller went on to explain the value of Line 5 and the Tunnel Project for consumers.
“Think about it. Our food, medicines, phones, fuel, cars, clothing, televisions. This is only a small sample of what Line 5 helps make possible,” he said.
“To continue to meet the needs of Michiganders and the region safely and reliably, construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel is the best solution, and we look forward to building it.”
