By Canadian Press

Enbridge says still willing to talk on Line 5, despite Michigan’s frustration

Oct 1, 2021 | 10:23 AM

WASHINGTON — Enbridge Inc. says it remains committed to a mediated settlement of its Line 5 dispute, even though the state of Michigan has given up on the talks. 

The Calgary-based pipeline giant says both sides are legally obliged to engage in good-faith efforts to resolve the long-running dispute over the cross-border line, a key energy artery that crosses the Great Lakes. 

Court documents show the state has effectively abandoned the process, with “no desire” to continue with mediation.

But the status of those talks remains unclear: in a written ruling late last month, U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff described the process as “at least at a standstill.”

The dispute has been raging since last November, when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer abruptly revoked the easement that had allowed it to operate since 1953, citing the risk of a spill in the Straits of Mackinac.

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Enbridge insists the pipeline is safe and has made it clear it has no intention of shutting down the line voluntarily.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2021. 

The Canadian Press