So far haven't had too many gripes with this Governor but this isn't a smart move.
First off, Enbridge has volunteered to build a completely new, sealed tunnel under the Straits in order to keep their service going, and would also allow other services, such as electric and telecom, use it as well. The recent spill in the Straits was from an old power line, after all. This would have little to no environmental impact, virtually eliminate the oil spill concern everybody has, while also allowing them to maintain their business.
Instead, we're going to continue to risk an oil spill in Line 5 by delaying or terminating this idea entirely. The older infrastructure is, the more likely it is to fail. We should be very happy that Enbridge wants to make this investment, and fork over the permit as soon as possible. The sooner that tunnel is built, the sooner the old lake-floor pipes are decommissioned and removed.
What's more, terminating the line would as mentioned jack up energy prices. As a Democrat, the Governor fancies herself as a champion of the less fortunate. So it would seem to me that keeping energy prices low would be a goal of hers. After all increases in energy prices disproportionately hurt poorer people. Certainly she will never again worry about her utility bill, with the Mansion of the people now and a fat pension later.
So bottom line: increased environmental risk in delaying the replacement of Line 5's existing Straits crossing, likely increased energy prices for the majority of Michiganders, all in exchange for one political promise made to get the state's environmental lobby to like her.