Line 5 debate hits home, could impact local pocketbooks



Propane tanks Propane is stored in tanks like these. Enbridge’s Line 5 supplies more than half of Michigan’s annual propane needs.

Open letter highlights realities of pipeline shutdown

May 11, 2021

For six months, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s November notice to revoke the long-standing easement agreement between the State and Enbridge that allows Enbridge’s Line 5 to operate in the Straits of Mackinaw has played out across North America, though Enbridge is bringing the focus fully home.

On May 8, a full-page letter began appearing in newspapers across Michigan. Enbridge’s hope is the letter will help ensure Michiganders understand how the Governor’s actions to halt a pipeline that federal regulators confirm continues to operate safely will affect them.

“We want Michiganders to understand that Line 5 is more than a pipeline in the Straits,” said Vern Yu, President, Enbridge Liquids Pipelines, “it is critical to what we are able to do each day. Line 5 is the main source from which Michiganders receive the propane to heat their homes and the fuel for their vehicles. Regional refineries rely on the light crude oil from Line 5 to produce thousands of items─from the phones and laptops that connect us, to medicine, televisions, cleaning products, and medical equipment. We believe it only right that Michiganders understand what a forced shutdown will mean to them in a very realistic way.”

A shutdown could hit the average person’s pocketbooks

Yu’s open letter to Michiganders highlights the practical implications of a forced shutdown, though also potential financial ones, stressing it “will create an energy shortage that will lead to a spike in energy and fuel prices at a vulnerable time for the people of Michigan and the regional economy by disrupting the supply of crude oil to 10 regional refineries.”

For Michiganders who rely on propane, a study by the Michigan Propane Gas Association indicates shutting down Line 5 during extreme winter weather could increase a family’s annual energy bill by as much as $1,200.

The letter also cited the safety risks and increased emissions that would result from the additional trucks and trains required to deliver the light crude oil and natural gas liquids Line 5 safely delivers each day.

Investing in safety, the future

Since 2018, Enbridge has invested more than $100 million on improvements to Line 5 and successful safety measures in the Straits. It also is poised to invest more than $500 million to build the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. The Great Lakes Tunnel will house a replacement section of Line deep below the lakebed of the Straits, eliminating the risk of an anchor strike and virtually eliminating the chance of a spill into the Straits from Line 5.

In addition to the open letter to Michiganders, Enbridge recently launched a virtual Line 5 open house. Available 24/7, the virtual open house offers guests a variety of videos, animations and interactive opportunities to learn about Line 5, as well as ask questions and provide feedback.

Click here to visit the Line 5 virtual open house.

And click here to see the open letter in its entirety.