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Michigan House Approves Straits Of Mackinac Oil Pipeline Legislation

Tunnel Would House Replacement For Segment of Enbridge's Line 5 Pipeline

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Mackinac Bridge in the Straits of Mackinac
 Mackinac Bridge in the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Michigan. abarndweller (CC BY)

Legislation that would facilitate the replacement of an oil pipeline in the Great Lakes is a step closer to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.

The Republican-led House approved the bill 74-34 Tuesday. The measure could be passed by the Senate later in the day.

It would require a state authority to quickly OK the Snyder administration’s deal for the construction and operation of a utility tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel would house a replacement for a segment of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline. The company would pay for the tunnel.

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Supporters say the tunnel would protect the lakes from a spill, but opponents say Line 5 should not remain open for up to 10 years while the tunnel and replacement segment are built.