In 2018, an anchor from a vessel transiting the Straits of Mackinac struck and dented Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 pipelines and cut three underwater energy lines belonging to American Transmission Company. That anchor strike released 800 gallons of mineral oil and caused $100 million in damage.
State Representative Rachel Hood says her bipartisan bill aims to protect the straits and increase penalties for shipping vessels longer than 700 feet dropping, dragging or setting anchors, chains and cables in the Straits of Mackinac. Do any of those things and violators will be charged with a misdemeanor of up to one year in jail. That includes a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
Representative Hood, a Grand Rapids Democrat, explains the bill also adds an approval process for training maritime pilots who navigate the straits.
