### Federal Judge Rules Michigan Lacks Authority to Shut Down Line 5 Pipeline In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge has determined that Michigan does not have the authority to shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline, which runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac. This decision stems from a lawsuit initiated by Enbridge, the Canadian company operating the pipeline, against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's 2020 order to revoke the easement allowing the pipeline's operation. The judge's ruling emphasizes that federal pipeline safety laws preempt state actions regarding interstate pipeline regulation, thereby limiting Michigan's ability to enforce its shutdown order. This ruling has raised concerns among environmental groups regarding the potential impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem, as the pipeline has been a contentious issue due to its age and the risks associated with oil spills in the region [https://www.miningjournal.net/news/front-page-news/2025/12/federal-judge-michigan-has-no-authority-to-shut-down-line-5, https://ground.news/article/federal-judge-blocks-whitmer-from-shutting-down-submerged-great-lakes-pipeline]. ### Breakdown of the Legal Decision and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Case** - Governor Whitmer's 2020 order aimed to revoke the easement for Line 5, citing safety concerns and environmental risks [https://apnews.com/article/enbridge-pipeline-tunnel-whitmer-lawsuit-trump-7b0bfc8858f4dfdefb029a201eae1b79]. - Enbridge filed a lawsuit to maintain its operations, arguing that the state’s actions interfered with federal jurisdiction over interstate pipeline safety [https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/federal-judge-blocks-whitmer-from-shutting-down-line-5]. 2. **Judge's Ruling** - U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker ruled that only the federal government has the authority to regulate interstate pipeline safety, effectively blocking Michigan's attempt to shut down Line 5 [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/us-judge-blocks-michigan-from-enforcing-order-to-shut-down-enbridge-s-line-5-pipeline-ce7d50dfde8cf327]. - The ruling stated that revoking the easement would disrupt U.S.-Canadian trade relations, as the pipeline is crucial for transporting oil between the two countries [https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/judge-line-5-ruled-federal-law-michigan-cant-block-pipeline]. 3. **Environmental Concerns** - Environmental groups have expressed alarm over the ruling, emphasizing the potential risks to the Great Lakes' health and ecosystem due to the aging infrastructure of Line 5 [https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/federal-judge-line-5-ruling-environmental-groups-concerned-lake-health]. - The pipeline has been a focal point of environmental activism, with advocates arguing for its closure to prevent possible oil spills [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/local-news/michigan/judge-michigan-cant-shut-down-line-5-pipeline-in-straits-of-mackinac]. ### Summary of Findings - **Key Conclusion**: The federal court ruling has reinforced the supremacy of federal law over state actions regarding pipeline safety, allowing Line 5 to continue operations despite state-level opposition. 1. **Legal Authority**: The ruling confirms that only federal authorities can regulate interstate pipelines, limiting state intervention [https://lansingcitypulse.com/stories/enbridge-wins-key-ruling-as-federal-judge-bars-michigan-from-ending-line-5-easement]. 2. **Impact on Trade**: The decision highlights the importance of Line 5 for U.S.-Canadian trade relations, as shutting it down could have broader economic implications [https://apnews.com/article/enbridge-pipeline-tunnel-whitmer-lawsuit-trump-7b0bfc8858f4dfdefb029a201eae1b79]. 3. **Environmental Risks**: The ruling has intensified discussions about environmental safety and the potential consequences of maintaining an aging pipeline beneath the Great Lakes [https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/federal-judge-line-5-ruling-environmental-groups-concerned-lake-health]. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over energy infrastructure and environmental protection in the Great Lakes region.