Whitmer orders shut down of Michigan pipeline citing “environmental risks” (Cartoon)

 

 Almost immediately after it was announced that the Colonial Pipeline had been shut down due to a “hack,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took the opportunity to order the shut down another pipeline that runs through her state, claiming it poses “environmental risks.”

One of the nation’s most vicious dictators, Whitmer proclaimed that the oil and gas pipeline, which is run by Canadian energy company Enbridge, had to shut down on May 12 because, should the pipeline burst, leak, or become damaged, Michiganders might be put at risk.

As of this writing, Enbridge has refused to comply with Whitmer’s unlawful decree, and it is backed by numerous top Canadian officials. The last thing North America needs right now is a worsened energy crisis that leaves them without fuel.

For the past 67 years, Enbridge has been moving oil and gas from Western Canada through Michigan and the Great Lakes area to refineries in the province of Ontario. According to Whitmer, the pipeline is suddenly too dangerous to continue operating, just as much of the Southeast is suffering from gasoline shortages.

Back in November, it turns out, Whitmer announced plans to revoke the easement granted to Enbridge to run Line 5 of the pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac. It just so happens that May 12 was conveniently chosen as the deadline for this shutdown.

“These oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac are a ticking time bomb, and their continued presence violates the public trust and poses a grave threat to Michigan’s environment and economy,” Whitmer’s office announced.

The federal government, not Whitmer, is in charge of energy pipelines

According to Enbridge, it has never experienced any leakage in the underwater section of Line 5. In fact, the company has been working to create a new tunnel beneath the lake bed to further ensure the safety of the pipeline.

In the past two years, Line 5 has been struck by boat anchors and cables. Back in 2010, a collision incident spilled 3.2 million liters of oil into the Kalamazoo River, this being the supposed impetus behind Whitmer’s demand.

At the same time, Enbridge could simply alter the route of the pipeline to ensure safety. Whitmer wants it to remain completely shut down for good, however.

“Should anything that’s being transported in these 67-year-old pipelines get into the Great Lakes, it would have devastating effects and irreparable consequences,” stated Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare, who represents 39 First Nations across Ontario.

Back in February, a U.S. federal court ordered Enbridge and the State of Michigan to enter mediation. Whitmer responded by demanding that the case be heard by a state court, which is more likely to give her a favorable ruling.

As it turns out, Whitmer has no authority to shut down any pipelines because their operation is governed by the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between the United States and Canada, which was ratified by Congress at that time.

“Regardless of what the state of Michigan may or may not want to do, the treaty is binding on the United States as a whole,” says Lawrence Herman, an international trade lawyer. “It’s a matter between the two governments: Canada and the United States. My point is, a deal is a deal.”

Herman added that the treaty requires either side to give at least 10 years notice of intent to withdraw. Whitmer has not done that, nor is she a federal government official with the authority to make such a decision regardless.

Enbridge President Al Monaco also warned that shutting down the pipeline would have a “very bad outcome” for Canada’s two most populous provinces, as well for Michigan as the pipeline provides propane to the state.