Line 5

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that state energy regulators improperly limited environmental review of Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project, requiring a broader assessment. Opponents, including tribal nations and environmental advocates, celebrated the decision as a victory for protecting the Great Lakes and public resources.

The Michigan Supreme Court ordered state regulators to reconsider a permit for Enbridge's Line 5 oil pipeline tunnel under the Great Lakes, citing environmental oversight. The court ruled regulators failed to assess the pipeline's extended operational impact and alternatives, while opponents argue the project risks the Great Lakes' ecosystem and sacred sites.

The Michigan Supreme Court rejected a permit for Enbridge's proposed tunnel to house its Line 5 oil pipeline under the Great Lakes, citing insufficient environmental review. The court found regulators failed to assess whether the tunnel would extend the pipeline's lifespan and cause greater harm, while environmentalists and tribal nations oppose the project due to spill risks and cultural significance. Enbridge argues the tunnel would enhance environmental protection and energy reliability.

The Michigan Supreme Court rejected a permit for Enbridge's planned tunnel to carry Line 5 oil pipeline under the Great Lakes, citing regulatory failures in environmental impact assessments. The 6-1 decision mandates regulators reevaluate the project, which environmentalists and tribal nations argue poses catastrophic risks to the waterway and sacred Indigenous sites.

The Seventh Circuit ruled that Enbridge Energy must reroute its Line 5 pipeline from the Bad River Reservation but rejected an order to shut the pipeline down entirely if the deadline is missed. The court criticized the original three-year deadline as unreasonable and emphasized the need for oversight to ensure the reroute occurs, citing potential international consequences and environmental risks.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced criticism from progressives, unions, and environmental advocates over three recent decisions: vetoing nine bills supported by Democrats and labor, advancing data center projects with corporate leaders like OpenAI's Sam Altman, and approving permits for Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline tunnel. Critics accuse her of prioritizing corporate interests over her original political coalition.

Michigan regulators approved key permits for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac, arguing it is necessary to prevent oil spills in the Great Lakes. Opponents, including environmental and tribal groups, criticized the decision as environmentally and culturally harmful, citing destruction of wetlands and historic resources.

Michigan state agencies approved permits for Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project, advancing the company's efforts to construct a utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Tribes and environmental advocates oppose the project, citing risks of oil spills and unstable geological conditions, while Enbridge claims the tunnel will mitigate future anchor strike risks.

State regulators approved two environmental permits for Enbridge Inc.’s Great Lakes Tunnel Project, allowing the company to replace a segment of Line 5 pipeline with a tunnel beneath the Straights of Mackinac. The permits include conditions to mitigate environmental impacts, but environmental groups argue the measures are insufficient to address risks of oil spills and ecological harm.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued key permits for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel, despite acknowledging the project’s 'significant impacts.'

The public comment period for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel wastewater permit ends Tuesday, with environmental groups opposing the discharge of 7 million gallons of treated industrial wastewater into the Great Lakes daily. Enbridge claims the project includes environmental safeguards and AI monitoring, but critics question the adequacy of these measures to protect the lakes.