Peters Statement on Line 5 Suspending Operations

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on Enbridge decision to suspend Line 5 operations due to ongoing severe weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reporting potential swells upwards of 12 feet, far exceeding the conditions under which on-site cleanup equipment is able to adequately respond to a spill. 

“It is simply reckless and irresponsible to operate Line 5 under the current weather conditions in the Straits of Mackinac. I was able to work with PHMSA Administrator Elliott in pressing Enbridge to take the right action and suspend Line 5 operations through the storm. Not only do we lack a clear understanding of the damage to Line 5, but the on-site response equipment available is completely inadequate to clean a potential oil spill under current conditions, putting the Great Lakes in grave - and unnecessary - danger.”