The news is filled with stories about efforts to shut down Line 5. People in our region may think the issue only matters up north but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Line 5 matters to Saginaw County and that’s why the Saginaw County Chamber strongly backs Line 5’s continued operation and supports construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel. To advocate for this important issue in our region, we have joined a diverse, bipartisan coalition called Great Lakes Michigan Jobs, working to build the Great Lakes Tunnel.
We rely on Line 5 in Saginaw County every day. Line 5 is responsible for fueling our local communities by powering the manufacturing sector, the chemistry industry and equipment that farmers use that is essential to getting food to our kitchen tables. The pipeline also provides more than half of the propane used across the state, not just in the Upper Peninsula.
We rely on Line 5 in Saginaw County every day. Line 5 is responsible for fueling our local communities by powering the manufacturing sector, the chemistry industry and equipment that farmers use that is essential to getting food to our kitchen tables. The pipeline also provides more than half of the propane used across the state, not just in the Upper Peninsula.
If your home or business uses propane, you depend on Line 5. If you use products that are manufactured in Michigan, you probably depend on Line 5. Line 5 plays a large role in the energy and products we often take for granted every day. Despite efforts to decommission the pipeline, strong majorities across the state support construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel, which will reduce the risk of a spill in the Great Lakes to virtually zero once built.
Of course, these important facts are not typically what we read about in the news. Most of the discussion around Line 5 centers on the small portion in the Straits of Mackinac. The reality is that Line 5 has been safely operated for more than 65 years. The plan to build the Great Lakes Tunnel, which was approved in Lansing in 2018, will take a portion of the pipeline out of the Great Lakes and bury it deep under the lakebed. This project will make the already safe pipeline even safer.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy approved the permits needed for construction earlier this year, which was a critical step in moving forward with the Great Lakes Tunnel project. As our economy works to recover from the pandemic, Michigan needs key investments like the tunnel project, which won’t cost taxpayers a dime. The Great Lakes Tunnel will protect the Lakes, create tens of thousands of jobs and result in continued investment in communities like ours each year.
It’s time for the Governor and lawmakers to protect the jobs and energy that our communities rely on every day. That’s why we support Line 5 and back the Great Lakes Tunnel. To learn more or join the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition, visit greatlakesmichiganjobs.com.
Of course, these important facts are not typically what we read about in the news. Most of the discussion around Line 5 centers on the small portion in the Straits of Mackinac. The reality is that Line 5 has been safely operated for more than 65 years. The plan to build the Great Lakes Tunnel, which was approved in Lansing in 2018, will take a portion of the pipeline out of the Great Lakes and bury it deep under the lakebed. This project will make the already safe pipeline even safer.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy approved the permits needed for construction earlier this year, which was a critical step in moving forward with the Great Lakes Tunnel project. As our economy works to recover from the pandemic, Michigan needs key investments like the tunnel project, which won’t cost taxpayers a dime. The Great Lakes Tunnel will protect the Lakes, create tens of thousands of jobs and result in continued investment in communities like ours each year.
It’s time for the Governor and lawmakers to protect the jobs and energy that our communities rely on every day. That’s why we support Line 5 and back the Great Lakes Tunnel. To learn more or join the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition, visit greatlakesmichiganjobs.com.
