Link to article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/05/02/canada-enbridge-line-5-whitmer-michigan/
Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan governor, has ordered the shutdown of a Canadian pipeline that runs through Michigan and the Great Lakes. Whitmer’s order declares that the pipeline must cease operation by May 12th. Many environmental groups, state attorney generals, and Indigenous tribes have announced their support for the shutdown of the pipeline.
The basis for Whitmer’s argument is that the pipeline is not maintained fully and correctly. Those against the shutdown argue that the pipes are maintained in full compliance with the law.
The pipeline is currently used to transport crude oil and natural gas. Canada’s natural resource manager has responded to Whitmer’s shutdown order, saying that the continued use of the pipeline is “nonnegotiable”. Another Canadian official also noted that Whitmer’s implication that Canada does not care about the Great Lakes is both insulting and untrue.
The Canadian company that owns the pipeline is combatting the shutdown in American federal court. They went on record saying that the pipeline will continue to operate unless there is an official court order stating it cannot.
The US and Canada have a long-standing positive political relationship, although Whitmer’s decision has placed some stress on their relations. The two countries also have agreed to work together to combat climate change, and they are both standing members of the Paris Climate Agreement. It is possible that this pipeline will become a source of contention while the official ruling on its operation is decided within the court system.
A Canadian consultant released a statement saying that shutting down the pipeline would hurt both countries, most notably by causing a shortage of propane. In effect of a shortage, the cost of fuel would also increase. Although, there are people who believe that there should be a higher cost of fuel because that would act as a deterrent to using fossil fuel energy, therefore decreasing carbon emissions overall.