Consumer Energy Alliance Releases Report Highlighting the Economic Harm that a Line 5 Closure Will Have on Pennsylvania’s Families, Businesses and Industries
HARRISBURG, PA – Shutting down the Line 5 pipeline, the reckless proposal pursued by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, would force families, businesses and industries in Pennsylvania to pay more than $630 million more for transportation fuel every year, according to an independent third-party analysis commissioned by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA).
Weinstein, Clower and Associates examined the impacts that a Line 5 closure would have on the region and found that shutting down this critical infrastructure would have a devastating impact on the supply of transportation fuels in regional markets, and hurt petrochemical refiners that rely on the pipeline to safely and efficiently deliver feedstock. Such a supply shock would create significantly higher gasoline and diesel prices for Pennsylvania families and businesses, who will spend at least $630 million more every year on transportation fuels, or $3.1 billion more over five years.
The study also found that families and businesses across the Midwest will spend at least $29.2 billion more for gasoline and diesel over the following five years due to the resulting loss of production at area refineries.
The report dovetails with previous findings that closing Line 5 would cause at least $20.8 billion in economic losses to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania.
“At a time when consumer prices are rising at their fastest pace in more than 40 years, and Americans are suffering from the highest gasoline prices in over seven years, choking the region’s fuel supply by closing Line 5 would be economically ruinous,” CEA Midwest Director Chris Ventura said. “Pennsylvania’s families are already struggling to pay their bills, with many on fixed incomes or living below the poverty line having to choose between putting gas in their tank, buying groceries, or filling their prescriptions.”
Ventura added, “From an environmental perspective, the proposal is just as careless. Line 5 hasn’t leaked in the Straits during its 68-year history, and it is inarguably the safest, most reliable method to transport the fuel Pennsylvania needs. Recklessly raising energy bills on Pennsylvania’s families and businesses by disrupting their fuel supplies – notably oil and propane – while harming the economy and the environment is irresponsible, especially when solutions like the Line 5 Tunnel Project have been proposed.”
Commenting on how closing Line 5 would harm Pennsylvania’s critical fuel supply needed for refineries and commercial travel President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association David N. Taylor said, “America’s energy infrastructure is the circulatory system of our economy. Even though Line 5 runs through the Straits of Mackinac, the petroleum that it delivers via Ontario feeds our refineries in northwestern Pennsylvania and fuels the airport in Pittsburgh. The governor of Michigan has no right to violate America’s formal trade agreements and treaties with Canada or to interfere with commerce between the states in our country. Line 5 needs to stay open – PERIOD.”
“Michigan may be hundreds of miles away from Pennsylvania, but any decision to shut down critical pipeline infrastructure there could have a resounding and punishing effect on fuel prices and consumers’ pocketbooks here,” said Kurt Knaus, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance, a statewide coalition that advocates for the safe, responsible development of pipelines and related energy infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania. “These pipelines really are the energy superhighways that our states need to deliver the fuels that power every facet of our modern economy. Shutting down Line 5, especially during these uncertain times, would be disastrous,” Knaus added.
To view the full report, click here.
To view findings specific to Pennsylvania, click here.
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org
