WASHINGTON – Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) today released the following statement in response to Enbridge’s announcement to replace a portion of pipeline running underneath the St. Clair River. Congressman Bishop last month introduced legislation, the Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act, which would increase reporting requirements and financial liability on pipeline operators in the case of a rupture. The legislation would also limit the operation of pipeline materials under the Great Lakes to 50 years.
Congressman Bishop said, “Last year, several dozen gaps in the enamel and cathodic coating that protect Line 5 from exposure and corrosion were found. While Enbridge’s plan to replace a part of the 65-year-old pipeline is welcome news, and in particular that the replacement line will be 30 feet or more below the bottom of the river, I remain concerned with the 4.5 mile stretch of pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac. A Line 5 oil spill would irreparably contaminate our Great Lakes, wreaking havoc on our environment and freshwater supply – in addition to its catastrophic economic impacts. My legislation, the Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act, empowers PHMSA to conduct regular reporting on pipelines and levies substantial financial penalties on operators who fail to meet safety standards. Further, it limits operation of pipeline materials under the Great Lakes to 50 years. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for stronger safeguards and requirements that proactively protect our Great Lakes. Because once an spill occurs, it is too late.”
H.R. 4787, the Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act:
• Improves pipeline safety and structural standards
• Increases testing and reporting requirements for pipeline structures
• Sets timelines to fix suboptimal structural issues and penalties for delayed action
• Increases financial liability and responsibility of pipeline operators
• Limits the operation of pipeline materials under the Great Lakes to 50 years
Text of the bill can be found here.
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