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Panel Discussion: What's Next for Line 5?

Enbridge Energy
An Enbridge Energy map shows the route of Line 5.

Environmentalists say the Line 5 oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac poses a risk to the Great Lakes, and the state is looking into it. Michigan recently received a list of potential replacements for the 64-year-old pipeline.

A draft of the Alternatives Analysis report was published last week, and details those replacement options. Another report outlining the risks of Line 5 to the Great Lakes was supposed to be published as well. That report was scrapped after the authors revealed a conflict of interest.

The state is holding several feedback sessions to inform the public on the report. The public can comment at the any of the sessions - or online - until August 19, when the report will be finalized.

IPR's David Cassleman spoke to Ryan Duffy, communications strategist from Enbridge, the company that built Line 5, about these recent developments.

 

On Friday, IPR hosted a live call-in program featuring guest panelists:

  • Garret Ellison, reporter for Mlive

  • Jim Lively, program director for the Groundworks Center

  • Peter Langley, executive director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Michigan

The panel discussed the replacements, risks and future of Line 5 and answered questions from callers.

 

call_in_-_line_5_01.mp3
The panel discusses Line 5 and answers some questions from callers.

 

Max came to IPR in 2017 as an environmental intern. In 2018, he returned to the station as a reporter and quickly took on leadership roles as Interim News Director and eventually Assignment Editor. Before joining IPR, Max worked as a news director and reporter at Michigan State University's student radio station WDBM. In 2018, he reported on a Title IX dispute with MSU in his story "Prompt, Thorough and Impartial." His work has also been heard on Michigan Radio, WDBM and WKAR in East Lansing and NPR.