Detroit, December 18, 2025
A federal judge has blocked Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s attempt to shut down Line 5, a 72-year-old oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. The judge ruled that only the federal government has authority over interstate pipeline safety according to the 1992 Pipeline Safety Act. This decision highlights ongoing legal disputes regarding the pipeline’s safety and environmental concerns raised by the state and various groups. Enbridge Inc. continues to operate the pipeline, which is crucial for energy transport between the U.S. and Canada.
Federal Judge Blocks Michigan’s Attempt to Shut Down Great Lakes Pipeline
Detroit, Michigan – A federal judge has halted Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s effort to shut down a 72-year-old oil pipeline segment beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The judge ruled that only the federal government has authority over interstate pipeline safety, citing the 1992 Pipeline Safety Act. Whitmer had sought to revoke Enbridge Inc.’s easement for Line 5, expressing concerns over potential environmental risks. The court found that the state’s action interfered with U.S.-Canada foreign policy and trade relations.
Background of the Dispute
In 2020, Governor Whitmer ordered state regulators to revoke the easement allowing Enbridge to operate a 4.5-mile segment of Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac. The governor’s decision was driven by apprehensions about the pipeline’s age and the possibility of a catastrophic oil spill. Enbridge responded by filing a federal lawsuit to prevent the revocation, maintaining that the pipeline is safe and essential for energy transportation between the U.S. and Canada.
Legal Proceedings and Federal Authority
U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker ruled that revoking the easement would effectively shut down Line 5. He emphasized that Congress has expressly prohibited states from regulating interstate pipeline safety under the Pipeline Safety Act of 1992. The judge also noted that Michigan’s attempt to shut down the pipeline interfered with federal foreign policy and trade relations between the U.S. and Canada. The court’s decision underscores the federal government’s exclusive responsibility in regulating interstate pipeline safety.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Challenges
Enbridge welcomed the ruling, stating that it protects both the United States and Canada from significant energy disruptions. The company has proposed replacing the aging pipeline segment with a protective tunnel but faces opposition from environmental and Indigenous groups concerned about potential environmental impacts. Additionally, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s 2019 effort to void the easement is awaiting Supreme Court jurisdictional decisions. In Wisconsin, a judge ordered Enbridge to remove part of the pipeline from tribal land, with environmental and tribal litigation ongoing. These developments highlight the complex legal landscape surrounding Line 5 and its future operations.
Conclusion
The federal judge’s decision to block Michigan’s attempt to shut down the submerged Great Lakes pipeline reaffirms the federal government’s authority over interstate pipeline safety. While environmental and tribal groups continue to challenge the pipeline’s operations, the ruling provides a significant legal victory for Enbridge, allowing the pipeline to remain operational for the time being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Line 5?
Line 5 is a 72-year-old oil pipeline operated by Enbridge Inc., running beneath the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It transports crude oil and refined products between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario.
Why did Governor Whitmer seek to shut down Line 5?
Governor Whitmer ordered the revocation of Enbridge’s easement in 2020 due to concerns that the aging pipeline could rupture, leading to a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes.
What was the federal judge’s ruling?
U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker ruled that only the federal government has authority over interstate pipeline safety, citing the 1992 Pipeline Safety Act. He found that Michigan’s attempt to shut down Line 5 interfered with U.S.-Canada foreign policy and trade relations.
What are the implications of this ruling?
The ruling allows Enbridge to continue operating Line 5, affirming federal jurisdiction over interstate pipeline safety. However, environmental and tribal groups continue to challenge the pipeline’s operations, indicating ongoing legal and environmental debates.
Are there other legal challenges related to Line 5?
Yes, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s 2019 effort to void the easement is awaiting Supreme Court jurisdictional decisions. In Wisconsin, a judge ordered Enbridge to remove part of the pipeline from tribal land, with environmental and tribal litigation ongoing.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pipeline Name | Line 5 |
| Operator | Enbridge Inc. |
| Location | Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron |
| Length of Submerged Segment | 4.5 miles (6.4 kilometers) |
| Governor’s Action | Revocation of easement in 2020 |
| Federal Judge’s Decision | Blocked Michigan’s attempt to shut down Line 5, citing federal jurisdiction over interstate pipeline safety |
| Environmental Concerns | Potential catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes |
| Enbridge’s Response | Pipeline remains operational; company maintains pipeline safety |
| Ongoing Legal Challenges | Michigan Attorney General’s effort to void the easement; Wisconsin judge’s order to remove pipeline from tribal land; environmental and tribal litigation ongoing |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
