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Resolution passes in Kalamazoo to support pipeline shut down

The law passed during December's lame duck session authorize the MAckinaw Straits Corridor Authority to build a tunnel around Line 5.
Mark Brush
/
Michigan Radio
The law passed during December's lame duck session authorize the MAckinaw Straits Corridor Authority to build a tunnel around Line 5.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports the board passed a resolution Tuesday in opposition to Enbridge Inc.'s Line 5 pipeline. The resolution passed on a 7-3 vote.

15 other counties, 24 cities and 26 townships throughout the state have also voted in favor of shutting down Line 5.

The more than 60-year-old pipeline travels through Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It was created to be a safer and more efficient way to transport crude oil.

Enbridge spokesman Jason Manshum says the 2010 oil spill drastically changed the public's perception of safety in the energy sector.

Commissioner Michael Seals says he encourages activists in favor of the line's closure to continue being involved in local water issues.

The Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board is expected to release two studies on risks from the pipeline in June.

In full disclosure, Enbridge Energy is a financial supporter of Michigan Radio.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story confused Line 5 with the Enbridge pipeline that caused an oil spill in the Kalamazoo River years ago.

Copyright 2017 Michigan Radio

Emma is currently the online news intern at Michigan Radio. In addition to covering news, she assists with The Environment Report and other programs. Emma is a senior at the University of Michigan majoring in Communication Studies and Screen Arts & Cultures, and plans to pursue radio and digital journalism in the future. When she's not at Michigan Radio, Emma can be found at various coffee shops around Ann Arbor.