LANSING, Mich., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement in response to an independent report released by the State of Michigan on Line 5, an important part of Michigan's energy infrastructure.   

"The Michigan Chamber agrees that the Great Lakes are a tremendous natural resource and state government should take reasonable steps to protect water quality," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "However, the notion that we cannot protect water resources and safely transmit vital energy resources is simply not true."

"Line 5 has undergone rigorous testing and benefits from continuous monitoring and maintenance," noted Jason Geer, Director of Energy & Environmental Policy for the Michigan Chamber. "Further, extensive safety tests and inspections of Line 5, which have not identified any safety risk concerns, have been overseen and reviewed by state and federal regulatory authorities."

"Alternative Analysis Report confirmed what we already knew: pipelines remain the safest, smartest and most efficient means of transporting energy and fuels," added Geer. "Michigan's energy infrastructure is vital to our economic security, and Line 5 plays a vital role in delivering the resources Michigan citizens and businesses rely upon."

"'Shut Down Line 5' may be a clever bumper sticker for environmental extremists and a handy slogan for politicians, but it ignores the facts," Studley added. "To keep Michigan moving forward, environmental policy and important regulatory decisions must continue to be based on sound science, not bumper stickers or emotional political appeals."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,500 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce