In an effort to raise awareness and ultimately shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline, The National Wildlife Federation Tuesday launched a new campaign featuring actor Jeff Daniels. Daniels, who lives in Chelsea, Michigan, stars in the 30-second TV and 60-second radio spots that begin today in markets across Michigan.
Line 5 is a pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac and pumps roughly 23 million gallons of oil through the Great Lakes. Owned and operated by Canadian company Enbridge, environmental activists have long called for the decommission of Line 5, arguing that a spill would have devastating consequences.
Mike Shriberg, is the Great Lakes regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation. He called Line 5 a “ticking time bomb” Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Line 5 to shut down on May 12th, but Enbridge has refused to do so, facing fines of $2 million per day.
Officials from Line 5 argue they are legally allowed to operate, and say that shutting down the pipeline will result in the loss of thousands of jobs, and sour Canada and the United States relationship.