Pipeline problems are now out of Lansing's hands and on to the laps of Michigan Supreme Court justices. This isn't necessarily a good thing, since it should be the choice of Lansing residents whether to allow a pipeline in their backyards. But at least there finally will be a resolution to this three-year battle.

The proposed pipeline would be 26 miles long and would transport 3.1 million gallons of gasoline daily. Within a couple of months, Wolverine Pipe Line Co. will receive the announcement on whether it will be able to start its project of replacing the gas pipeline throughout Lansing.

Lansing remains the only community against the project. Although local leaders should have a say in what is being built in their backyard the pipelines are a necessity for the city, because residents need about 1.5 million gallons every day. The current pipeline is 68 years old and only transports 800,000 gallons of gasoline each day.

Although residents have every right to be concerned over the effect a pipeline could have on their property value, they need to realize it is their own demand for gas that is creating a need for new pipes.

In 2000, the company agreed to fulfill the 21 negotiated requirements presented for the project, including provisions for safety-test data and the creation of pipe valve barriers for added protection.

It also has taken several precautions that go above and beyond federal standards for pipeline safety. Although there was a pipeline leak in the Jackson community in 2000, the company's quick response prevented the gasoline from entering ground and surface water.

Adding the new pipeline is in the best interests of everyone. It will ensure the city is never low on gasoline and there will be better safety measures than there are now. Out with the 68-year-old pipes, and in with the new.