Enbridge's Line 5 a vital piece of state's energy infrastructure, says union leader
Enbridge’s Line 5 is a “vital” piece of Michigan’s energy infrastructure, and is playing a pivotal role in powering the state’s industrial comeback, says a prominent labor leader.
Geno Alessandrini, Business Manager, Michigan Laborers' District Council
Geno Alessandrini, Sr., the business manager of the Michigan Laborers’ District Council, says in an editorial posted to MLive that Line 5 – which carries up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs), primarily propane – is an essential component of the energy infrastructure that provides economic progress and a quality living for Michigan residents.
“Michigan was not called the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II for being scared to make smart and forward-looking investments in our major industries, and we cannot be afraid today,” writes Alessandrini. “It’s our continued responsible use of Michigan’s natural resources, including oil and natural gas, which has helped drive the comeback of Michigan’s auto manufacturing industry.
“For months, we’ve heard the same old rhetoric about Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline,” he adds. “It’s time to set the record straight.”
The Michigan Laborers’ District Council represents more than 12,000 members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA).
Line 5 provides the Michigan economy with 56,000 barrels per day of light crude oil, and 15,000 barrels per day of propane. If Line 5 were taken out of service, the Michigan economy would lose:
- Enough gas to fill 120,000 passenger cars and light-duty vehicles per day;
- Enough jet fuel to move 92 commercial planes (or 18,500 passengers) per day;
- Enough diesel to fill 900 freight-carrying semi trucks per day; and
- Enough propane to heat or service 240,000 homes with about 1,100 square feet of living space apiece.
Alessandrini also notes that Line 5 has served Michigan reliably for decades, is continuously monitored, and has met all state and federal requirements for operation.
LiUNA members, says Alessandrini, “work thousands of hours each year maintaining and helping to inspect Line 5.”
The full editorial by Alessandrini can be found on MLive’s website.
