9 & 10 News: Sen. Peters Hosts Commerce Committee Field Hearing on Line 5

A commerce committee field hearing is happening in Traverse City.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters is holding the hearing, looking to get answers on how to handle Enbridge’s Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac.

The room is full of people demanding answers on what would happen if there was an oil spill. 

Senator Peters is questioning two panels of experts.

Representatives from the Coast Guard, National Wildlife Federation and Enbridge are just a few of the experts attending.

Senator Peters says that an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac would be an economic and environmental catastrophe, even saying it would be the absolute worst place for an oil spill to happen.

“I called this hearing to take a closer look at the federal and industry response to the April vessel strike in the Straits of Mackinac to get some answers to some potentially tough questions that I’m often asked by Michigan residents, not just here in Traverse City, but in every area of the state,” said Peters.

Enbridge released this statement on the field hearing: “Pipeline safety and emergency response preparedness, as it relates to the Great Lakes is important for the people and businesses of Michigan, and is a critical priority for Enbridge. We welcome discussions about the best way to protect the Great Lakes while safely delivering much-needed energy on which Michigan families and businesses rely each day.”