Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit Thursday to terminate the operation of Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 oil and gas pipeline running through the Straits of Mackinac.
Congressman Jack Bergman issued the following statement on Friday:
“The well being and safety of First District constituents is my number one priority. Since taking office, Attorney General Nessel has waged political war on Upper Peninsula jobs and our energy future. Nessel has chosen to use her position as a platform to promote fear and false claims in an effort to appease the radical fringes of her base. The latest lawsuit by the AG and her politically charged actions regarding the tunnel and pipeline in the Mackinac Straits are reckless, putting UP residents at risk of excessive prices and lack of access to needed propane delivered through Line 5.
“Rather than dragging the state into endless litigation, our state’s leaders should work together to craft energy solutions that keep our Great Lakes safe and not hang Yoopers out to dry. State leadership should continue working to ensure the tunnel project moves forward, in spite of the Attorney General’s political stunts.”
In response to the lawsuit, state Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette) issued the following statement Friday:
“No one wants an oil spill in the Great Lakes. No one. With that said, I’m disappointed to see the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Nessel. Understanding that our Michigan oil and gas pipeline system spans state and international borders, there is no doubt in my mind that a premature shutdown would cause a significant economic disruption. Furthermore, I’m concerned how international trade laws, especially those that protect against major energy disruptions and assure international and state energy security, impact this lawsuit.
“While I believe that this litigation is the wrong strategy for Michigan, I remain hopeful that all parties involved can find a better solution, based on solid data and expertise from engineering, building trades and industry specialists, which protects the waters we love and rely on without jeopardizing our state’s energy or economic sectors.”
