The CPA continues to make the case for the planned upgrade of Enbridge Line 5 as it passes under the Straits of Mackinac. The planned improvements to the pipeline infrastructure in Michigan continue to be slowed by political pressure by environmental groups and others who do not want Line 5 to be improved. In fact, they want Line 5 to be eventually shut down.
In addition to earlier communications with Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, the CPA has reached out to the Council of the Federation through its Chair, Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan. In a letter dated August 7, CPA President & CEO Nathalie St-Pierre reviewed the impacts of losing Line 5 and asked for Council support to ensure that the Government of Canada conveys to the Governor of Michigan the importance of Line 5 to Canadian provinces and their many constituents who depend on propane.
The CPA has also expressed its support for Line 5 to the Michigan Public Service Commission which is presently holding a hearing into Enbridge’s application to construct the new infrastructure. In a letter dated August 11, St-Pierre noted the importance of the environment and economic development working together. “Safety is a fundamental priority for the CPA, and we have long supported the safe continuation of Enbridge Line 5. Our members strongly believe that there is a balance to be found where responsible environmental stewardship and economic development can both be served by the continuation of Line 5.”
Finally, on August 26, the CPA has discussed with Enbridge how best to enhance our collaboration in the next few weeks.
An existing agreement signed by Enbridge in 2018 with the State of Michigan requires Enbridge to replace existing Line 5 dual pipelines at the Straits of Mackinac with a pipeline secured in a large underground tunnel, deep under the Straits. Once that tunnel is complete, Enbridge will permanently deactivate the existing dual pipelines at the Straits. The plan outlined by Enbridge meets the important criteria of environmental safety while maintaining critical energy infrastructure.
Enbridge Line 5 is the only pipelined propane supply into Southern Ontario. Line 5 is the feeder pipe into the Sarnia Fractionator that has over 100,000 barrels of capacity per day. Propane is approximately 70 per cent of that capacity. The prolonged disruption of Line 5 would have severe and lasting consequences on the supply of propane for Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Logistics for moving propane from producing provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan would be severely hampered as well.
The CPA will continue to advocate on behalf of the continuation of Enbridge Line 5 to ensure that application be approved without delay so that the important work to replace the existing Line 5 can be completed as soon as possible.