State Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, on Wednesday released the following statement after the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the Michigan Public Service Commission’s decision to approve relocation efforts for the Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline.

“The Court of Appeals decision today just underscores what we already knew: Enbridge’s plan to relocate the Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the safest and most efficient way to ensure continued access to a stream of reliable, baseload energy for Michigan homes and businesses.

“Those of us who live in rural communities know the Attorney General’s crusade to shut down the pipeline was never realistic. The court made that abundantly clear today. Enbridge did its job and submitted a common-sense proposal to make the pipeline safer, and left-wing activists – empowered by activist Attorney General Dana Nessel – still tried to shut them down.

“I hope this decision encourages President Trump and federal officials to push the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite their review of the tunnel project as I suggested in my letter last year.”

Just over a year ago, the MPSC granted permission to re-route a 4-mile section of the 645-mile petroleum pipeline into a concrete tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The pipeline delivers 22.7 million gallons of crude oil per day that is refined into propane, used for heating and cooking.

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