New informational spot features ‘Yooper’ reflecting on Great Lakes, protecting them
Highlights Lehto’s passion for Michigan, community and the environment
Nov. 3, 2021
People in northern Michigan often see Bob Lehto in area stores, at the gas station and at school events for his children.
The native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (a “Yooper”)—and a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians—is a strong presence in the community.
Now, more people will have an opportunity to see one of their own in a one-minute informational spot in which he shares his personal and professional perspectives of Enbridge Line 5 in the Straits.
His role as a native Michigander and the Enbridge area operations manager in northern Michigan makes Lehto ideal for sharing his commitment to protecting communities, waterways, and people.
“My whole life I’ve been drawn to the water,” Lehto explains in the informational spot. “It’s my calming place . . . you can feel the spirit of the (Great) Lakes. That’s what being on the water is all about, it’s to be connected with it, and it’s why I love being here so much.”
Against the backdrop of the Straits, Lehto then acknowledges that everyone wants energy and the convenience of it. He also highlights the multiple safeguards put in place by Enbridge to protect Michigan communities and the Straits.
“I support The Great Lakes Tunnel Project,” said Lehto. “The Tunnel is the best way of assuring environmental protection for the Great Lakes while keeping energy moving in Michigan.”
Funded by Enbridge, the Great Lakes Tunnel will join other extensive measures in place to continue to provide propane, fuel and other energy on which the region relies while protecting the Great Lakes.
Placed deep below the lakebed, the Great Lakes Tunnel will encase a replacement section of Line 5, eliminating the chance of an anchor strike to Line 5 and essentially eliminating the chance of a release into the Great Lakes. The Tunnel also could house other utilities, such as fiber optic cable that improves 911 and internet service through the region.
Cognizant that he works for Enbridge, Lehto easily reiterates why his personal and professional commitments align.
“My family lives all through the eastern Upper Peninsula,” explains Lehto. “If I didn’t feel like this was safe, I couldn’t do it. I am proud to be able to live here in Michigan and raise my family here in Michigan where I grew up.”
While the one-minute informational spot is airing on local television stations, a three-minute video of Lehto’s commitment to Michigan, providing the region’s energy and protecting shared resources, is posted on Enbridge’s website.
