Whitmer threatens profit seizure if pipeline keeps operating

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. In her letter to Vern Yu, Enbridge’s executive vice president for liquids pipelines, Whitmer said continued operation of the line after Wednesday “constitutes an intentional trespass” and that the company would do so “at its own risk.” “If the state prevails in the underlying litigation, Enbridge will face the prospect of having to disgorge to the state all profits it derives from its wrongful use of the easement lands following that date,” Whitmer said. “Line 5 is operating safely, reliably and is in compliance with the law.” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit last fall in support of Whitmer’s order, while Enbridge countersued in federal court and wants the matter decided there. “The decrepit, deteriorating and dangerous Line 5 pipeline is an ecological and public health tragedy waiting to happen in the world’s largest freshwater lakes,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Enbridge’s continued harm to our treaty rights, our environment, our history, our citizens, and our culture, is a prime example of how banishment should be used,” said Whitney Gravelle, president of the tribe’s Executive Council.