Enbridge responded to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s attempt to terminate an easement and thereby close Enbridge’s Line 5 dual pipelines, saying the lines in the Straits “are safe and in full compliance with the federal pipeline safety standards that govern them,” according to a letter from Enbridge executive vice president and president, liquids pipelines, Vern Yu.
The state issued the notice to terminate the easement that has been in place since 1953, Enbridge said. Line 5 enables the safe transport of fuel to heat homes and provides energy to Michigan, neighboring US states and Canada’s two largest provinces, the company added.
“Both lines were reviewed and approved for operation by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) back in June and September of 2020,” it said.
Yu said Enbridge has no intention of shutting down the pipelines based on the state’s unspecified allegations and its violation of federal law.
The company requested the United States District Court dismiss Michigan’s action in that the revocation of the easement is contrary to federal law and that pipeline safety resides with the federal Pipeline Safety Act and its enforcement is the responsibility of an expert federal agency.
The company said repeated offers by Enbridge over the past year to meet with state officials to discuss pipeline issues of concern to the state, provide technical information and discuss matters that might be helpful to the state’s review of the easement were consistently ignored and dismissed.
In his letter, Yu wrote the state acted unlawfully in issuing the notice to revoke and terminate the 1953 easement by attempting to upend federal jurisdiction.
For more information visit www.enbridge.com
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