and Canada will discuss the future of an oil pipeline that crosses part of the Great Lakes and is the subject of rising tension over whether it should be shut down, the White House said Monday.
Michigan Gov.
Enbridge says that portion, divided into twin pipes across the lake bottom, has never leaked and is in good condition.
“In addition to being one of the closest allies, Canada remains a key U.S.
Line 5 daily carries about 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids used in propane between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario.
Environmental groups and Indigenous tribes say that provision means Biden could order an immediate shutdown.
“We possess rights and interests in the integrity of the Great Lakes that date back to time immemorial, and that are protected by solemn treaties with the United States long predating the agreement Canada rests on,” the tribes said in a Nov.
“Billions of dollars in economic activity would be in jeopardy, and the environment would be at greater risk due to additional trucks operating on roadways and railroads carrying hazardous materials,” said a Nov.
Environmentalists say those claims are exaggerated.