A new report says Enbridge’s plan to build a tunnel for Line 5 between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron is too expensive and unnecessary.
The report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis states the pipeline, which transports crude oil and natural gas liquids from Canada to the U.S., serves fewer customers and is harder to maintain. The report also says the tunnel project will likely cost much more than Enbridge has estimated.
Suzanne Mattei is an attorney with the institute and main author of the report.
“Our report, I would say conservatively estimated that it would cost at least $500 million before it’s through, but it could be more,” Matttei said. “We don’t know.”
The report says Enbridge has not publicly confirmed a new cost figure, and emphasizes Enbridge the company reconsider investing in an outdated pipeline, which could prolong the “carbon lock-in” effect, as markets for its products decline.
Another controversy involving the Line 5 project is the tribal claim of trespass. Some Native American tribes in Michigan argue the pipeline threatens their sacred lands and water rights, potentially violating protective treaties.
