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Michigan Court Rejects Enbridge's Bid to Delay Line 5 Litigation
ZACKSยท 2025-08-20 14:16
Core Viewpoint - Enbridge Inc. (ENB) faces a legal setback as a Michigan judge denies its request to delay the state's lawsuit aimed at shutting down the Line 5 pipeline, which has been a contentious issue for years [1][11]. Legal Proceedings - Ingham County Circuit Judge James Jamo ruled against Enbridge's motion to stay the proceedings, emphasizing the public interest in advancing the case that has been ongoing since 2019 [2][11]. - The judge noted that continuing the case would be more efficient and prevent further delays, despite the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming review regarding the jurisdiction of the case [3][8]. Line 5 Pipeline Details - Line 5 transports approximately 540,000 barrels per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids through Michigan, including two underwater pipelines beneath the Straits of Mackinac, raising environmental concerns [4][5]. - The lawsuit filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel claims that Line 5 constitutes a public nuisance and should be shut down, while Enbridge argues that federal regulators hold ultimate jurisdiction over the pipeline [5][6]. Company Actions and Future Plans - Following the ruling, Enbridge reaffirmed its commitment to constructing a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to accommodate a replacement pipeline segment, while cautioning about the potential implications of shutdown litigation on energy supply and international relations [7][11]. - Enbridge is also pursuing a separate lawsuit against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in federal court, focusing on the state's authority to revoke Line 5's easement [8][9]. Industry Context - The ongoing legal disputes surrounding Line 5 represent a significant battle in the region, intertwining issues of energy supply, environmental safety, and the balance of state versus federal authority [9].