MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — The Detroit Regional Chamber's annual Mackinac Policy Conference always draws a big crowd to Mackinac Island to talk about politics and policies impacting Michigan.
Among that group Wednesday, the first full day of the conference, were both of the state's U.S. senators, Democrats Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. Their eyes were on the Great Lakes and their minds on what lies beneath the water.
“Here we sit in one of our premier tourist attractions in the state of Michigan," Peters said as he sat on the porch of the iconic Grand Hotel. "You can just imagine what would happen if there was an oil spill here. It's just an unacceptable risk."
He was referencing his concerns about Line 5, twin oil pipelines owned by Canada-based Enbridge Inc. that run under the Straits of Mackinac and have been the subject of intense scrutiny.
“This is something that has to be dealt with. I hope that eventually we just shut it down," he said.
The pipeline was recently damaged by an apparent anchor strike. In the senator's view, it took too long to determine the extent of the damage.
He said it's up to the state to shut down the pipelines.
Many environmental groups and state officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the 65-year-old Line 5, which carries millions of gallons of oil every day between Wisconsin and Ontario. Experts say a leak from the pipelines would be catastrophic for the Great Lakes.
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