Vox Pop - Pipelines are still safest way to move enery across U.S.

Vox Pop

Despite attempts to sensationalize a recent leak that was completely contained to the property of an oil pipeline pump station in Jefferson County late last year, the fact remains that pipelines are still the safest way to move the energy we depend on to live our lives, heat our homes, and grow our economy.

While opponents of the Line 5 pipeline relocation in Bayfield, Ashland and Iron Counties like to claim the pump station leak is a reason to stop the Line 5 relocation, the reality is these are not only two different pipelines, but the safety protocols worked and kept the Jefferson County leak completely contained to the pump station property. While nobody wants a leak to happen, the safeguards Enbridge put in place to ensure it did not spread off their property worked. Contrast this with train derailments where no containment exists at all. Pipelines continue to be the safest way to provide us with the energy we need.

As President of the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association, the trade organization that represents the well-trained men and women who construct pipelines, I have 100 percent confidence that the Line 5 relocation will be completed safely and with little environmental impact. In fact, the Wisconsin DNR agrees, which is why they have already permitted the project.

The political and legal games being played by antienergy groups need to stop. The Line 5 relocation project needs to move forward without further delay.

— Corey Gall, President of the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association, Milwaikee