Michigan approves Enbridge Line 5 tunnel permits despite environmental objections

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced approval of two key permits for Enbridge's proposed 4.5‑mile tunnel through the Straits of Mackinac. Flow Water Advocates argue the state ignored the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act, the Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act, the Public Trust Doctrine, and more than 70,000 public comments that called for protecting the Great Lakes and tribal rights.

The approvals are seen as a setback to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Healthy Climate Plan and have triggered legal challenges. A pending appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court questions the Michigan Public Service Commission's earlier decision. Enbridge still requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from EGLE and a federal permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before construction can begin. Meanwhile, Ontario and Alberta premiers are promoting a separate “Northern Shield” pipeline that could render Line 5 redundant.