The Ohio House recently passed House Resolution 13 urging Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to keep Line 5 safely operating and protect Ohio Jobs as well as the Great Lakes Region’s shared economy. Governor Whitmer has slated the line for closure due to what she says are safety concerns.
“As the Chairman of the Ohio House Transportation and Public Safety Committee I was proud to see HR13 through a unanimous vote in our diverse committee. As a former county commissioner I understand the real local impact that these changes in energy infrastructure do create,” said Baldridge. “This decision by Michigan’s Executive branch will negatively affect the everyday lives of Ohioans and Michiganders alike, and every job matters and should be fought for.”
Whitmer is moving to shut down Line 5 by revoking and ending a 1953 easement that allows Enbridge Energy to run the dual pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac.
The announcement last year was welcomed by environmental groups as protecting the Great Lakes and attacked by energy groups as costing jobs and raising fuel and heating prices for consumers.
The pipeline presents an “unreasonable risk” to the Great Lakes in violation of the public trust doctrine, Whitmer said in a statement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
“I drove to Michigan today for one reason: to protect Ohio jobs,” said Baldridge. “We cannot allow political decision to get in way of hardworking Ohioans providing for their families.” “I am thankful for the opportunity to share this important resolution with the Michigan Legislature and I hope that Governor Whitmer will reverse her decision.”
