Enbridge Energy, LP v. Nessel

Enbridge Energy, LP filed a federal lawsuit against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel challenging her attempt to revoke the 1953 easement and shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline crossing the Straits of Mackinac. The state argued the aging pipeline poses an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes. The federal district court initially remanded the case to state court, but the Sixth Circuit reversed, holding that federal question jurisdiction exists under the Pipeline Safety Act. The litigation has continued to address whether Michigan may lawfully terminate the easement and whether federal law preempts state closure efforts.

As of the provided date, no final public judgment is available; the case has involved federal appellate rulings on jurisdiction and remains active in litigation concerning state authority and federal preemption.

Whether the federal Pipeline Safety Act preempts Michigan's public trust and easement revocation claims; whether a federal court has subject matter jurisdiction over the state's enforcement action; whether the 1953 easement is revocable; and whether state closure of Line 5 violates an international treaty with Canada.

The case has heightened public concern over aging energy infrastructure in the Great Lakes, strained United States-Canada energy relations, engaged tribal treaty rights, and underscored the ongoing constitutional tension between state environmental authority and federal pipeline regulation.