© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Gov. Whitmer Open To Allowing Great Lakes Oil Tunnel

Mackinac Bridge
Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR-MSU
Mackinac Bridge & Straits of Mackinac

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is reportedly considering a tunnel for an oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.

In a written statement to Interlochen Public Radio, Governor Whitmer says she’s committed to protecting the Great Lakes and removing the Line five oil pipelines as soon as possible.

But in an interview with the Detroit News on Monday… she says a tunnel for a new pipeline is still an option.

Jim Olson is the director of ‘For the Love of Water,' an environmental advocacy group.

He said this runs counter to what Governor Whitmer has said in the past.

“The basic message of the governor has been to remove crude oil from the Straits of Mackinac," said Olson.

Under a deal struck last year, Enbridge Energy was allowed to build a tunnel for a new pipeline.

But Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel found that unconstitutional… and Governor Whitmer stopped all construction on it.

In a statement, Enbridge says they believe the pipeline is the best way to protect the Great Lakes and meet the energy needs of the state.

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!