WASHINGTON D.C. (WKZO-AM) -- A bill aimed at improving the safety and supervision of oil pipelines is now on President Obama's desk.
It was sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan.
It would subject pipelines, like Enbridge's Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac, to more-stringent federal regulations. It would also require petroleum companies to put more forethought into spill response.
The legislation also labels the Great Lakes a "high-consequence area," which would impose greater safety standards on underwater lines, like Line 5.
A study by the University of Michigan claims 700 miles of shoreline would be affected by a rupture of Line 5. Enbridge has panned the report, telling the Detroit Free Press researchers focused on an unrealistic volume of crude being released.
State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, has sponsored a bill that he says would force a shut down of all Great Lakes pipelines.
Peters said his legislation passed the House last week.
