Issue Position: Protecting the Great Lakes
Issue Position
On July 25, 2010, Enbridge's Line 6B pipeline ruptured, spilling over 1 million gallons of heavy crude oil into the Kalamazoo River.
The spill lasted over 17 hours because Enbridge failed to investigate when their alarms went off. Oil continued to spill until a local utility worker notified authorities.
It was the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history, and we are still recovering from the devastation it caused.
As cleanup continues, we are faced with an even greater threat, located in one of the most ecologically sensitive places in the world
The 65-year-old Enbridge Line 5 pipeline runs through the Straits of Mackinac -- posing an imminent threat to our Great Lakes.
On July 25, 2010, Enbridge's Line 6B pipeline ruptured, spilling over 1 million gallons of heavy crude oil into the Kalamazoo River.
The spill lasted over 17 hours because Enbridge failed to investigate when their alarms went off. Oil continued to spill until a local utility worker notified authorities.
It was the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history, and we are still recovering from the devastation it caused.
As cleanup continues, we are faced with an even greater threat, located in one of the most ecologically sensitive places in the world
The 65-year-old Enbridge Line 5 pipeline runs through the Straits of Mackinac -- posing an imminent threat to our Great Lakes.
If Line 5 were to rupture, the damage would be catastrophic. The Straits' currents are powerful and erratic, making it impossible to contain a spill.
Studies show that a spill could contaminate over 150 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and would devastate our ecosystems, drinking water, and economy.
As your next state representative, I will work to shut down Line 5, so the Straits of Mackinac don't suffer the same fate as the Kalamazoo River.
The Great Lakes are a priceless resource that must be protected. Help us shut down Line 5 today before it's too late!
As your next state representative, I will work to:
1. Protect our Great Lakes from invasive species and shut down Enbridge Line 5, so the Straits of Mackinac don't suffer the same fate as the Kalamazoo River.
2. Innovate and invest in the Natural Resources Trust Fund by implementing a statewide land preservation program to put our state's most ecologically valuable land into the public trust for future generations to cherish.
3. Restore the integrity of the DEQ and invest in pediatric literacy programming and universal preschool for the children of Flint. The Flint Water Crisis was the worst man-made disaster in the history of our state. We have a moral obligation to do everything we can to help these children realize their dreams.
4. Utilize the best science and engineering we have to protect our fresh water resources and ensure every family has access to safe, affordable drinking water by preventing sewage discharges and instituting a statewide lead testing and abatement program.
5. Tackle Climate Change by increasing our renewable energy standards to 33% by 2030, 66% BY 2040, and 100% by 2050. I will also work to create a grant program so our local governments and schools can achieve this as well.
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