Enbridge challenges Michigan mandate

Canadian midstream firm rails against federal executive order calling for Line 5 pipeline closure

Calgary-based pipeline giant Enbridge has indicated it will defy Michigan’s order to shut down one of its oil pipelines running through the US state, arguing Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer has overstepped her authority while basing her decision on poor information and political posturing. “We have no intention of shutting down pipelines based on these unspecified allegations [by Whitmer],” Enbridge said in mid-January. “We will not shut in Line 5 unless ordered by a court or our regulator the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which we view as highly unlikely.” Mike Koby, vice president of US operations for Enbridge, also criticised the the governor’s decision as b