State Probing Petrol Pipelines

A state government task force has started an in-depth investigation into concerns about petroleum pipelines in Michigan. The Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force is beginning by focusing on the Enbridge Energy pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac. The line is 60 years old. It’s never caused a problem, but a simulation released early this summer that speculated how a major break would affect the Great Lakes has raised concern. Enbridge is in the process of adding additional support to the line. Other pipelines in Michigan will also be examined by the task force. An Enbridge pipeline ruptured near Marshall four years ago, spilling oil into the Kalamazoo River. Even as they open up the investigation, state officials acknowledge that most of the regulatory authority for pipelines rests with the federal government. The task force is looking for public comment. Link to their website here.