A new bill by state lawmakers would prohibit any anchor dropping in the Straits of Mackinac. This comes after an anchor damaged an oil and gas pipeline.
In May, Governor Rick Snyder approved an emergency rulethat temporarily made the Straits of Mackinac a no-anchor zone. One bill introduced would make that rule permanent. But lawmakers also introduced bills they say will help make sure the pipelines in the Great Lakes are safe.
Republican Representative Lee Chatfield is a bill sponsor. He says Michigan has taken a backseat to regulating the line so far.
“I think the state of Michigan has to do everything we can to increase our authority over these pipelines and to ensure our lakes are gonna be kept clean for future generations to come.”
Legislation would create reporting requirements for pipeline owners and provide penalties if oil or gas is spilled.
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
