A U.S. judge has blocked Michigan from enforcing a 2020 state order to close Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, according to a Dec. 17 court filing. The pipeline runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which link Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The ruling halts the state's shutdown effort while litigation continues between Michigan and the pipeline operator.
U.S. Judge Blocks Michigan From Enforcing Shutdown Of Enbridge's Line 5 Pipeline
A view of Enbridge’s Mackinaw facility, servicing the company’s existing underwater Line 5 pipeline and its planned replacement tunnel through the Straits of Mackinac between lakes Michigan and Huron, in Mackinaw City, Michigan, U.S. February 25, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
Dec. 17 (Reuters) — A U.S. judge on Wednesday blocked the State of Michigan from enforcing a 2020 order that would have shut down Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, a court filing showed. The pipeline runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac, the channel connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
The ruling prevents Michigan officials from carrying out the state directive while litigation over the pipeline continues. The decision was disclosed in a court filing dated Dec. 17 and does not end the broader legal dispute between the state and the pipeline operator.
Background
Line 5, operated by Canadian energy company Enbridge, has been the subject of long-running safety and environmental concerns. Michigan authorities argued the pipeline posed risks to the Great Lakes, while Enbridge has maintained the line is safe and continues to be an important conduit for oil and natural gas liquids.
The court filing did not immediately resolve those competing claims; further proceedings are expected as the parties continue their legal battle.
(Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones and Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; Editing by Caroline Stauffer.)
