Northern Michigan lawmakers back Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project
LANSING, Mich. (UI) — A group of Northern Michigan state representatives reaffirmed their support this week for Enbridge’s plan to build a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to house the Line 5 pipeline.
State Reps. Parker Fairbairn, Karl Bohnak, Cam Cavitt, Greg Markkanen, and Dave Prestin issued a joint statement saying the project is essential for Michigan’s economy and energy security.
“From rural U.P. communities to the diverse industry of Southeast Michigan, the Line 5 pipeline is critical to providing jobs and energy for people and businesses throughout Michigan and the broader Midwest,” the statement said. “Enbridge is going above and beyond to mitigate all potential risks with their operation by proposing a significant investment in our state that would simultaneously protect our environment and secure this key pipeline for many decades to come.”
The lawmakers emphasized the tunnel would bury the pipeline deep below the lakebed, eliminating the risk of an anchor strike spill.
“Completion of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project means the Line 5 pipeline would be buried deep beneath the Straits of Mackinac, removing any chance of an oil spill caused by an anchor strike,” the statement continued. “This pipeline has been safely operational for nearly 80 years. However, even the soundest operations can be improved. That’s why Enbridge is proactively trying to make this investment to upgrade the infrastructure and protect the Great Lakes. We agree – and that’s why it is so frustrating to see activists, inside and outside of state government, oppose the project with emotional and political rhetoric, rather than practical and scientific arguments that support its construction.”
They urged state and federal regulators to complete the lengthy review process.
“As leaders from throughout Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, we fully support the Great Lakes Tunnel Project and strongly encourage state and federal authorities to move quickly to bring the eight (plus) year application and permitting process to a close and let the construction begin,” the lawmakers said. “Enbridge has proven its plan is safe and necessary; it’s time we get this project approved and the work started.”
Related News
From Archive
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
Comments