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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has taken decisive action to protect the Great Lakes.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has taken decisive action to shut down the so-called Line 5 that Enbridge Energy operates.

The pipeline runs under the Great Lakes and through the Straits of Mackinac and poses a huge environmental risk if there ever was a failure.

The Detroit News has a great quote from Gov. Whitmer on the fundamental reason for shutting down the pipeline.

“Enbridge has imposed on the people of Michigan an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes that could devastate our economy and way of life. That’s why we’re taking action now, and why I will continue to hold accountable anyone who threatens our Great Lakes and fresh water.”

On top of the existing risks, there is also mounting evidence that the energy company has not kept to the pipeline's agreed design and maintenance.

It is this collection of mounting failures and total disregard for the economic risks of a devastating spill in the Great Lakes that makes any counter-argument seem very foolish.


Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.

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