SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – The Biden administration has renewed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s call to shut down Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac.

The pipeline, run by Enbridge Energy, provides critical energy to people throughout Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. It’s also a major energy source for Canadians.

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While both Canada and the U.S. come to the table this week for diplomatic discussions, Ryan Duffy with Enbridge Energy said the best solution is to finish its $500 million tunnel which will encase the pipeline.

“I think what we really should focus on is how we get the Great Lakes tunnel project done faster,” said Duffy. “It’s critical energy infrastructure that both counties count on and it’s the solution to protect the environment.”

Enbridge is using its own money to pay for the tunnel project.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer set a May 2021 deadline to shut down the pipeline, which was ignored. No alternate plan fuel plan for Michigan has been put in place.

 

 

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