Line 5 relocation puts people to work

To the editor,

The growth of renewable energy in the last few years continues to transform our energy infrastructure, and is one we should continue to pursue. However, even with the gains in renewables, millions of Wisconsin families must rely on access to affordable propane, gasoline, and diesel to heat their homes and power their vehicles.

We need to transport energy products safely and reliably across our state. And, there is no safer way to move energy than through pipelines, like Enbridge’s Line 5 in northwestern Wisconsin.

Line 5 guarantees we can heat our homes and fuel our cars, trucks, and tractors. To ensure Line 5 continues to safely operate for years to come, Enbridge has proposed relocating a small section off the Bad River Band’s reservation.

The Line 5 relocation not only satisfies the tribe’s request to remove the line, it creates 700 union jobs. This is work that sustains families, builds communities, and allows for a long career in the construction trades for thousands of hard-working men and women. And, because our workforce comes from here in Wisconsin, they will prioritize the safety of our communities and environment over all else.

As of this month, the Line 5 relocation has been under review by state and federal regulators for four years.

Wisconsin’s best-trained and highly-skilled union workers are ready to construct the safest pipeline in the country with the Line 5 relocation. It’s time to put them to work.

Emily Pritzkow

Executive Director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council

Madison