Enbridge faces legal challenges over Line 5 pipeline permits and unauthorized bypass

Enbridge is facing legal and regulatory challenges regarding its Line 5 pipeline operations in the United States. In Michigan, four environmental organizations—the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Flow Water Advocates, Michigan Climate Action Network, and the National Wildlife Federation—have petitioned the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to reverse a permit approval for the Line 5 tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac. The groups argue the permit violates the Michigan Environmental Protection Act and the public trust doctrine, especially following a recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling. Four Tribal Nations have also filed separate petitions for a contested case hearing.

In Wisconsin, the company is under scrutiny for constructing an unauthorized pipeline bypass following a 1.3 million gallon oil and gas spill in Saxon on August 25. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that Enbridge built the bypass to restart operations without receiving the required permits, despite requests to keep the line shut down. Wisconsin DNR Secretary Karen Hyun has criticized the company for demonstrating a “disregard for the environment, human health, and the statutory authority of the department.”