Correction, 03/25, 2 p.m. — A previous version of this story said that Enbridge was only awaiting permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy would still need to issue a new permit, which would be subject to a public review process, before construction of the tunnel project could begin. A related quote from MPSC Chair Dan Scripps has been shortened.
LANSING — More than a year after state authorities approved the construction of an underwater tunnel replacement for Line 5, operators are still waiting on federal approval — but they could receive a helping hand from the new Trump administration.
Environmental groups have long shared concerns about the pipeline, which moves over half a million barrels of oil and gas per day, and potential for a leak or a rupture in the Great Lakes.
“Operating an oil pipeline, especially one as dangerous as this pipeline, through the most ecologically sensitive part of the Great Lakes runs counter to our duties under the public trust doctrine,” says Sean McBrearty, state director of Clean Water Action.
Enbridge — the operator of Line 5 — says the tunnel project would virtually eliminate the risk of a spill in the Great Lakes and allow for greater monitoring of the line.
But opponents take issue with the project too, saying the construction would still leave unnecessary risks.
Plus, they say they’re worried that final approval of the project could be sped up under the Trump administration’s newly enacted energy policies.
Trump issued an executive order on his first day back in office declaring an “energy emergency” and calling on federal agencies to use Army Corps permitting provisions to the “fullest extent possible and consistent with applicable law.”
“They’re still waiting on approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers,” said Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission. “There’s been some sense that that might now get an expedited review.”
Ryan Duffy, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said in a statement that the project is still awaiting an environmental impact decision from the Army Corps.
“The Great Lakes Tunnel will conform to all approved tunnel specifications and will be subject to environmental reviews,” he said.
A representative for the Army Corps said that there were no updates on the project to provide.
“We don’t think it’s a good idea to build an oil tunnel underneath the Great Lakes,” said McBrearty. “We don’t know whether or not the Army Corps is planning to fast track the permit process for Line 5 and essentially drop all of their considerations on the feasibility of tunneling underneath the Great Lakes and move forward with issuing a permit.”
The state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy would also need to provide a new permit, which would be considered in a process with public input.
Duffy says that Enbridge is working with experts who have built more than 100 underwater tunnels around the world, some in conditions similar to the Great Lakes.
He also disagreed with the characterization of a potentially “expedited” review, saying the Army Corps has been conducting their review for nearly five years already.
“I think there remains concern about about the lines that are on the the bottom lands of the straits,” Scripps said. “And coming to a solution to address that issue expeditiously, I think is in everybody’s interest.”