Wisconsin, Minnesota, California AGs Support Nessell’s Line Five Shutdown Suit

Officials from three other states have filed a court argument supporting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessell’s legal attempt to shut down the Enbridge Line Five Pipeline at the Straits of Mackinac.

Nessell’s lawsuit maintains the original 1953 easement that allowed the pipeline to be built was improper, thus making the existence of the pipeline illegal.

The pipeline provides petroleum products for refineries downstate, and in southern Ontario.

Critics fear a breach would cause an environmental disaster in the Great Lakes. Supporters fear shutting it down would cause propane shortages and price increases in the Upper Peninsula.

The suit is different than the one Nessell is pursuing to stop the construction of a proposed tunnel under the straits, which would include the pipeline and other utilities.

The amicus brief is signed by the attorneys general of Wisconsin and Minnesota, which border the Great Lakes, and California, which does not.