Dingell Renews Call for Comprehensive Study of Enbridge Line 5

Press Release

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) again called for a comprehensive study of the Enbridge Line 5 pipelines following reports that protective coating is missing in at least two areas, putting the integrity of the pipelines at risk.

"Twenty-three million gallons of oil flow through the pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac every day," said Dingell. "A pipeline rupture in this area would be devastating for the Great Lakes environment and economy, and that is simply a risk we cannot afford to take. Congress must immediately act on legislation Congressman Dave Trott and I introduced to require a thorough and comprehensive study of the pipelines. If Line 5 is found to be unsafe, it should be shut down. We cannot afford to wait."

Dingell and Trott have long called for a comprehensive study of Line 5. Their bipartisan legislation, the Preserve Our Lakes and Keep our Environment Safe (LAKES) Act, would require the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) to terminate the operation of Enbridge's Line 5 should a 12-month comprehensive study required by the legislation find the pipeline poses a significant risk.

In February, Dingell and Trott sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt urging him to expedite review of Enbridge's work plan and inspection schedule for Line 5. The work plan listed numerous locations on the pipeline where the protective coating may be weakening or missing.

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