Isn't this an issue confined to the Upper Peninsula?

Our Answer

While it’s true that Line 5 meets 65% of the propane heating demand in the Upper Peninsula—which would, indeed, force a crisis if the line were to close—the entire state loses in the event of a line closure.

First, Michigan’s Lower Peninsula uses 95% of the state’s propane by volume. A shortage of propane would result in just as much hardship downstate as up north. Statewide, Michigan is the top residential consumer of propane in the entire U.S.

But, even more than that, Line 5 provides:

• Enough gas to fill 1 million passenger cars and trucks each day
• Enough diesel to fill 6,000 semi-tractor-trailers per day
• Enough jet fuel to fly 883 commercial planes per day
• Enough propane to heat 300,000 Michigan homes per year

Replacing the lost fuel supply in the event of a Line 5 closure would cripple Michigan’s ability to move its economy forward—statewide.