Experts are painting a grim picture of what Canada could face if the Line 5 pipeline gets shut down, with some saying the country could see its fuel capacity get cut in half.
The pipeline, which serves as a vital artery for North America’s energy infrastructure, is facing a looming shutdown threat from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who set a Wednesday deadline last November that owner Enbridge has said it has no plans to meet.
But not so fast Whitmer…
Michigan orders closure of pipeline in escalating dispute with Canada
… In February, a federal court ordered Michigan and Enbridge to enter mediation. Recently, Michigan has argued that the case should be heard by a state court, which could give it a more favourable judgment.
But international trade lawyer Lawrence Herman says that the United States, not Michigan, is legally bound to keep the pipeline running.
He points to the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between Canada and the United States, which was ratified by the US congress.
“Regardless of what the state of Michigan may or may not want to do, the treaty is binding on the United States as a whole,”said Herman. “It’s a matter between the two governments: Canada and the United States.”
It’s possible the treaty obligations could be ignored by the Biden Admin and so far the White House’ position does not look promising for Canada:
Canada warns Michigan oil line shutdown could undermine U.S. ties
“We don’t weigh in on that … it will be decided in court,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm told reporters on Tuesday when asked about the White House’s position on Line 5.
I don’t think worry about Canada keeps the White House awake at night. Looks like the CBC has been tasked with softening the blow:
Biden is unlikely to come to Canada’s rescue in Line 5 dispute with Michigan
