Capitol News

State Representative Dave Prestin has successfully led the passage of House Resolution 91, which supports President Trump's energy policies. The resolution was approved along party lines in the Michigan House.

Earlier this year, President Trump declared a national energy emergency through an executive order. This move aimed to expedite the permitting process for the Line 5 tunnel project, which had faced delays from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Rep. Prestin emphasized the importance of the pipeline, stating, "The President’s leadership in unleashing American energy production will pay dividends in Michigan for years to come." He added that "the Line 5 pipeline is the only thing standing between Michigan residents and devastating energy poverty."

The Line 5 pipeline is a crucial source of propane for much of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. According to a report by the Michigan Public Service Commission, around 800,000 people depend on it for heating.

The resolution's passage follows Attorney General Dana Nessel's announcement of a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the national energy emergency declaration. Rep. Prestin criticized this move, suggesting it was politically motivated and unlikely to succeed.

Prestin remarked, "There is nothing more dangerous than energy poverty," defending Trump's decision to declare an energy emergency. He argued that actions against projects like Line 5 could lead to higher costs and environmental harm.