Line 5 Critical to Propane Supply

The recent “what to know” article on the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline dramatically understated the impact of shutting down this critical piece of energy infrastructure.  In particular, when describing what would happen if Line 5 is closed, the reporter failed to mention anything about propane.  This omission is despite the fact that major propane supplier Plains Midstream has warned if Line 5 shuts down they would close three propane refineries in our region, including one in Superior, creating a supply shortage not seen since the state of emergency a decade ago.

Clean burning propane is used to provide literally lifesaving heat for over 280,000 households in Wisconsin, especially in rural areas like the Northwoods.  Propane is also used on farms across our Dairy State to dry crops and heat livestock barns.  Propane is further used to power machinery in warehouses and even to allow a family to enjoy grilling Wisconsin brats in the summer.

Line 5 is unique in that it is the only pipeline in our region that transports not just crude oil, but natural gas liquids used to create propane.  You simply can’t talk about Line 5 without mentioning it’s critical role in propane supply.