Archive · 20 Sep 2025
Trump DOJ Argues Michigan Pipeline Shutdown Interferes with US Policy
Imagine a pipeline that carries oil under a beautiful lake channel.
The state of Michigan wants to shut it down because they worry about a spill.
But the Trump administration is stepping in, saying the state is messing with important deals between the U.S. and Canada.
The Trump administration thinks stopping the pipeline could hurt the country's energy supply and national security.
The company that owns the pipeline also agrees with the Trump administration.
Michigan says they have the right to protect the environment.
They want to stop the pipeline from operating in their state.
There's also a plan to put the pipeline in a protective tunnel, but some environmental groups worry about this too.
The Trump DOJ argues Michigan's effort to shut down the Line 5 pipeline interferes with U.S. foreign policy.
Line 5 transports crude oil between Wisconsin and Ontario, with a segment under the Straits of Mackinac.
Concerns about the pipeline's safety have grown, especially since 2017.
Michigan Governor Whitmer revoked the easement in 2020, leading to a legal challenge by Enbridge.
A 1977 treaty between the U.S. and Canada is relevant to the legal proceedings.
- Who
- The Trump administration, Enbridge, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
- What
- Legal dispute over Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac
- When
- Dispute began in 2017, with the most recent development in September 2024
- Where
- Straits of Mackinac, Michigan; U.S. and Canadian border; Wisconsin, court in Madison
- Why
- Concerns over environmental impact and U.S. energy policy
Environmental Protection/State Authority
National Security/Energy Supply
Pipeline Operation
Environmental Protection/State Authority
Michigan believes it can revoke the easement and protect natural resources.
National Security/Energy Supply
The Trump administration and Enbridge believe that shutting down the pipeline could be against national policy and foreign relations.
Federal vs State Authority
Environmental Protection/State Authority
The state has the authority to revoke the easement.
National Security/Energy Supply
Only the federal government can regulate pipeline safety and allowing states to enter that arena would lead to a untenable patchwork of regulations.
- Pipeline Name
- Line 5
- Location
- Straits of Mackinac
- Material Transported
- Crude oil
- Original Operation Date
- 1953
- Governor
- Gretchen Whitmer
- Trump Administration's Stance
- Supports Enbridge; opposes Whitmer's action
- Enbridge Proposal
- Tunnel to encase pipeline