Enbridge Aware of Duty to Protect Straits According to Former Governor

Former Governor James Blanchard authored a letter saying that Enbridge Energy was fully aware of their responsibility to protect the straits. The letter, which also said he would not want any problems with the Line 5 pipeline to affect his legacy of protecting the Great Lakes, was in response to a letter from the Sierra Club, calling on Mr. Blanchard to use his power stemming from his position on the Enbridge Energy Board to ensure an end to the use of the pipeline.

Director of the Sierra Club, Anne Woiwode, stated that she was happy to receive a response from Mr. Blanchard, as in the past he has not responded to their concerns about the pipeline threat. Mr. Blanchard, who served as Governor from 1983 to 1991, made protecting the Great Lakes a focal point during his time in office. In his response to the Sierra Club, Mr. Blanchard stated that as a board member of Enbridge Energy and as a Michigan citizen he has been focusing on the safety of Line 5 for many years.

Earlier this summer a task force of Attorney General Bill Schuette and Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant released a report on Line 5. At the time the pair stated that there was information which was not released by Enbridge. Mr. Blanchard responded to these claims saying that Enbridge believes all requested information was provided; however, they will continue to work with the taskforce to release any additional information requested.

Mr. Blanchard’s letter also said that the executive in charge of pipeline operations at Enbridge would schedule a meeting with Sierra Club officials in order to discuss any additional items of concern to the organization.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 7, 2015 10:36 AM
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