Rep. John Damoose today said the existing Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac must remain in operation until a state-of-the-art underground tunnel is built to replace it.

The pipeline delivers fuel needed to heat Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Damoose is fighting against Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to shut down the pipeline without a replacement.

“Line 5 is too important to Northern Michigan to just abandon without a ready replacement,” said Damoose, of Harbor Springs. “The fuel it delivers to our communities is needed to heat homes, schools and workplaces. You can’t simply shut down the pipeline and hope some immediate solution to heat Northern Michigan magically appears from nowhere.

“The fact is, a great long-term solution is already in the works – the building of a state-of-the-art underground tunnel. It’s a safe solution, paid for without taxpayer money. This new tunnel must be allowed to proceed, and the existing pipeline must continue to operate safely until it’s ready.”

Enbridge Energy, in a letter to Gov. Whitmer today, said she doesn’t have the authority to revoke its easement for Line 5 — and the dual lines are in full compliance with the federal safety standards that govern them. Damoose represents the 107^th District in the Michigan House, including Emmet, Chippewa and Mackinac counties, and part of Cheboygan County.