This week, four tribal nations and environmental groups urged the Michigan Court of Appeals to overturn the state’s approval of Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project.
Attorneys for the groups argued the pipeline expansion threatens the Great Lakes and disregards tribal and ecological concerns. They’re asking the state to consider a wider range of alternatives to the dual pipelines that carry crude oil and natural gas liquids beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
Carrie La Seour with the group For Love of Water says the aging pipelines pose a real spill risk to lakes Michigan and Huron, citing Michigan’s Environmental Protection Act for support.
“We argued that Michigan’s Environmental Protection Act requires a really comprehensive look at feasible and prudent alternatives to any action that would create environmental damage,” La Seour said.
Enbridge released a statement saying the state’s decision to approve the application for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project came after a tremendous investment of time and deliberation by the Michigan Public Service Commission. It says for nearly four years, the MPSC carefully examined issue and considered many viewpoints, questions, concerns, and ideas.
