What is 20 PERCENT?

For me, it is home. For school kids, it is HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. For the region, the nation, the world, it is the source of a little over 20 percent of the earth’s fresh surface water, one of the most precious resources on the planet. THE GREAT LAKES. One of the world’s largest freshwater eco systems, it contains over 80 percent of the freshwater in North America.

Why did I make this piece of artwork about it?

I made this piece because I am deeply concerned about the safety and preservation of this water, which is currently at risk of an incredible environmental tragedy which is completely preventable. The Great Lakes region, not unlike other parts of the country, is covered with systems of pipelines carrying raw petrochemical materials nationwide and internationally. One of these pipelines, LINE 5, owned by foreign oil giant, Enbridge, runs under the Straits of Mackinac where Lakes Michigan and Huron join together. The Great Lakes are in grave danger of being contaminated by millions of gallons of oil in the event of a break in Line 5, which has already sustained damage from anchor strikes and is in a state of deterioration to be expected from it’s almost 70 year existence as well as a poorly maintained condition. The idea of Enbridge’s Line 5 being the cause of an oil spill is not just theoretical. Line 5 has spilled more than 1.1 million gallons of oil across the length of the pipeline in 33 separate spills. Additionally, the Canadian company is currently operating Line 5, in violation of both a ruling by Michigan’s Governor and indigenous tribal treaties which mandate that they shut off the flow of oil and gas through this twin pipeline. Nearly all of the resources transferred through this line are supplied to and benefit only Canada, so not only does this state face all of the risks of this potential catastrophe, it reaps very few of the benefits.

How is this even possible?

As is common with powerful wealthy companies, Enbridge manipulates, distorts and minimizes the negative impacts of their operations to the public, and influences the policy makers who answer to their generous donations and lobbying tactics. The solution they propose, which has gotten preliminary approval from some government offices, is to offset the danger of Line 5 by building a tunnel below the Straits of Mackinac to house the pipeline. This plan provides no guarantee of infallibility and/or accountability in regard to future oil spills resulting from unforeseen problems with the system. The construction of the tunnel itself poses huge additional risk of environmental damage to the surrounding water and land, for negative economic impacts to the people of the region if their livelihoods are affected by damage or contamination, and is also in violation of regional indigenous treaties that have providence in the Straits of Mackinac. Of course, there are two sides to every story, and I assure you the stance of Enbridge and their supporters believe something very different than myself about the impacts of this pipeline.

Why should you care?

This is a national and international issue. We have a right and a responsibility to be informed and knowledgeable about the issues that affect us and those around us. The most powerful tool we as individuals have in forming the policies and future of our country is our vote.  We take our knowledge to the polls. We all provide support, through our votes, to the policy makers who ultimately decide the future of the world to come. The outcome in this debate has the potential to set a precedent for many environmental issues going forward. Without knowing the impacts of that choice based on at least a general understanding of the positions and beliefs of those we elect, we ourselves are part of the problem. Seek the truth and contact your legislative representatives to urge them to consider your perspective when making policy decisions.

 Who should you believe?

I’m positive you shouldn’t believe Enbridge or the politicians who stand to benefit from their continued success. Nor should you believe me. I am no expert in this field. What I suggest is that, like me, you do a little research yourself. Look for reputable sources that don’t stand to financially or professionally benefit from the either outcome. I have formed my opinion from looking at information provided by many sources, including some I don’t trust or agree with. Below I have listed several sources that I found helpful in forming my perspective for you to review and consider for yourself. Please do a little digging on your own too.

What really matters?

In the end, what matters most regardless of the perspectives on either side, is that the precious resource of the Great Lakes is the paramount and undebatable priority in this case. This incredible freshwater eco system must be protected. Doing so yields the greatest benefit to all generations to come, not just to those who benefit from not doing so now.