Barrett, EPA Administrator Zeldin Highlight Reliable Energy, Environmental Protection Efforts in Mid-Michigan

Image September 26, 2026 Press Release Stockbridge, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to mid-Michigan to highlight efforts to unleash reliable energy production and promote critical research to help protect the environment from harmful chemicals. The officials visited Enbridge’s Stockbridge Terminal and met with local energy leaders before heading to Michigan State University to see how researchers are studying the potential lasting effects and possible mitigation of PFAS chemicals. While at Enbridge, Barrett announced his support for pausing diesel exports to help rein in prices for transporting goods across the country. “Hard-working families deserve to have confidence that they’ll be able to reliably heat their homes in the winter. Secure pipelines are the safest, most efficient, and most dependable way to transport fuel throughout our state,” said Barrett. “Prices at the pump and on utility bills are too expensive right now, and that’s why I’m continuing my work in Congress to unleash American energy production, expand refinery capacity, and protect the infrastructure that safely, cost-effectively transports fuel to and from those refineries. It’s also why I support pausing diesel exports to rein in prices that make shipping groceries and other products more expensive. Thank you to Administrator Zeldin for coming to mid-Michigan to see the work so many in our region are doing to fuel our communities and to protect people and our natural resources.” “Energy fuels every part of our lives, but for years, Washington bureaucrats abused power to restrict critical energy infrastructure,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin. “At the Trump EPA, we are following the law, applying common sense, and helping to unleash U.S. energy dominance. As a result, good-paying energy jobs are being protected and created, and trillions of dollars in regulatory costs are being cut, while simultaneously fulfilling our statutory obligations and protecting our environment. It is great to be working alongside Representative Barrett to deliver for the American public.” Image The Stockbridge Terminal is a crude oil tank facility which allows for the temporary storage of crude oil as it moves through the Enbridge pipeline system in mid-Michigan, connecting supply with numerous regional refineries. It serves as an important hub in Enbridge’s large North American network of critical pipelines, which are the safest and most affordable way to transport oil and natural gas. Barrett and Zeldin toured the facility and then met with leaders in Michigan’s energy industry. During the roundtable conversation, the group discussed the importance of expanding reliable energy production and maintaining critical infrastructure to safely, efficiently transport fuel for Michigan residents. Industry leaders also emphasized the need to build more refinery capacity to process raw materials into usable fuels. Barrett has made boosting American energy production a priority, helping pass critical reforms in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act ( H.R. 1 ) that will increase domestic production and help lower costs in the long run. He has long championed policies to promote competition and encourage production of affordable, reliable energy. Image Barrett and Zeldin then met with researchers and toured Michigan State University’s Center for PFAS Research. University scientists are studying the impact on human health, agriculture, and the environment from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly — as well as how to mitigate any harm. Background: The Working Families Tax Cuts Act ( H.R. 1 ) boosted American energy production by authorizing new oil and gas leases and undoing red tape imposed during the Biden administration. The historic law removed subsidies and carveouts for special interests, providing a level playing field that allows companies producing oil, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, or other energy sources to compete, innovate, and provide more efficient energy. Barrett and his colleagues in Michigan’s congressional delegation also spearheaded a bipartisan effort in support of reopening the Palisades nuclear power plant. Barrett has also supported bipartisan permitting reform legislation to streamline bureaucracy and expedite federal environmental review of projects to protect health and safety without unnecessary delays. Image Image Image Image