Shut Down Line 5

​I was born and raised in Michigan, with a family history that dates back before statehood. For over a decade now, I have been gravely concerned about the environmental impacts and quality of life for residents in Michigan due to the threat of the Line 5 tar sands oil pipeline running through the Straits of Mackinac. 

Enbridge Line 5 protest at the Mackinac Bridge, September 2021

First of all, building any new fossil fuel infrastructure is "pure negligence during a climate crisis", especially when 90% of the oil in Line 5 goes back to Canada and lines the pocket of a foreign energy company. Furthermore, Enbridge has a history of disastrous oil spills in Michigan's precious wetland ecosystems. In fact, Line 5 has already leaked at least 33 times and more than 1.1 million gallons of oil. There is no reason to risk 90% of our country's freshwater supply for a pipeline that provides 90% of oil to Canada. There is no urgent need for this Line 5 pipeline energy. Michigan has plenty of energy alternatives that operate on renewable energy, that would not cause environmental and socioeconomic harm, and can easily replace and surpass the 10% of tar sand oil that the Line 5 pipeline provides. 

Sunrise at one of the many motel beaches in Mackinaw City, along Lake Huron, September 2021

In addition to all of the biological and economic reasons to shut down the Line 5 pipeline, the cultural loss and violation of First Nation treaty rights must also be considered amongst environmental impacts. "For the Anishinaabe people of the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) life began in the Michilimackinac (Place of the Great Turtle, with Mackinac being a mistranslation of ‘turtle’), now known as the Straits of Mackinac". Not only is the drinking source and livelihood of more than 40 million people at risk, the pipeline is located where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet. The site of the Line 5 pipeline has been known to the indigenous community for centuries as a sacred religious site. 

Tell the US Army Corp of Engineers: NO LINE 5 OIL TUNNEL. For all of these reasons outlined above, and the promise of a healthier future, I urge you to join me by adding your comments by June 30, 2025. Once we stop the Line 5 pipeline project, we can rest easier at night, knowing we have done all we can to protect the Great Lakes and all of the life they birth and nurture.