Newsletter
Line 5 Pipeline Updates
Oil Pipeline Impacts
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Newsletter: Fall 2024
Efforts to shut down Enbridge’s dangerous Line 5 pipeline and stop the development of a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac are on-going. Jurisdiction over the case filed in federal court by Enbridge has finally been returned to Michigan. This allows Attorney General Nessel to pursue her case to shut the line down.
The Army Corp of Engineers, which issues the permit for the tunnel, has announced it would conduct an environmental impact survey which has yet to be completed. However, EGLE has approved permits to build the tunnel. The Michigan Public Services Commission has approved the site application for the tunnel.
In the meantime, the Canadian government has become involved as it raises up a 1977 treaty it claims prohibits any public authority in the territory of either country from interfering in any way with the transit of hydrocarbons, i.e. the pipeline. It is seeking a dispute settlement.
Then there is the unresolved litigation regarding the trespass of Line 5 on tribal territory in Wisconsin. Enbridge has been given three years by the court to re-route the pipeline around tribal territory and claims it may not be able to reach that deadline.
As all these legal challenges and delays play out, the oil and gas are still flowing through the Straits while Enbridge continues to sue the State of Michigan with the approval of a federal judge.
It should be noted that President Biden could have acted to shut down Line 5 but does not wish to do so.
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LATE NEWS
We just learned that the Bay Mills Indian Community has won its appeal of the EGLE water resource permit for the tunnel, meaning Enbridge has to apply for a new permit that incorporates results of new wetlands surveys they were required to do. A new permitting process will begin this winter.
MCWC will have yard signs available at the Earthworks Harvest Gathering in Lake City September 20-22. Visit the website of Oil & Water Don’t Mix for more information.