On Wednesday, a federal judge decided against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request to shut down an old oil pipeline beneath the Great Lakes. Governor Whitmer had ordered the removal of a key easement that allows Enbridge Inc. to operate the Line 5 pipeline, which she fears could lead to a massive oil spill. Judge Robert Jonker ruled that regulation of interstate pipelines is the responsibility of the federal government, contradicting state authority. The 4.5-mile Line 5 pipeline transports crude oil between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario. Despite the judge’s ruling, there is ongoing litigation related to the environmental impacts of the pipeline and a separate federal judge’s ruling in Wisconsin regarding other aspects of its operation.
Judge Upholds Pipeline: Michigan's Battle over Line 5
A federal judge has blocked Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's attempt to shut down a crucial oil pipeline running under the Great Lakes, emphasizing federal authority over state regulations.
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker ruled against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's efforts to close the 72-year-old Line 5 oil pipeline. Laid under the Straits of Mackinac, the pipeline connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Whitmer's administration had argued that the aging infrastructure posed a significant spill risk. However, the judge noted that the federal government alone has the authority to regulate interstate pipeline safety, thereby allowing Line 5 to continue operating despite environmental concerns. Ongoing legal battles over the pipeline suggest that the issue is far from resolved, raising significant questions about environmental safety and state versus federal powers in energy regulation.
