Michigan governor creates Pipeline Safety Advisory Board

With an executive order, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder created the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board on Thursday, a 15-member group drawn from environmental and industry leaders that aims to ensure safety, upkeep and transparency.

“While pipelines are an efficient way to deliver necessary energy to power our homes, our communities and our economy, pipeline spills also have negatively impacted our natural resources in the past,” Snyder said. “We remain fully committed to protecting our Great Lakes and natural resources, and this board will be charged with continuing the important work of safeguarding our environment while ensuring safe, affordable and reliable energy.”

The board also will advise state agencies on issues surrounding the pipelines, including routing, construction, operation and maintenance. It includes members of state agencies, conservation experts and industry leaders, and was created after a recommendation from the Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force’s July report.

Also on Thursday, the state reached an agreement with Enbridge Energy Co. that prevents the company from using its pipelines under the Straits of Mackinac for transporting crude oil.