UP Gazette

State Representatives from Northern Michigan have reiterated their support for the Enbridge Great Lakes Tunnel Project, a proposal aimed at upgrading the Line 5 pipeline infrastructure beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The joint statement was issued by Reps. Parker Fairbairn, Karl Bohnak, Cam Cavitt, Greg Markkanen, and Dave Prestin.

The lawmakers highlighted the importance of Line 5 for jobs and energy supply in Michigan and across the Midwest. They stated: “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. 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."

They emphasized that burying the pipeline would reduce environmental risks: “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. 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.”

The representatives called on authorities to expedite permitting: “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. Enbridge has proven its plan is safe and necessary; it’s time we get this project approved and the work started.”

The proposed tunnel has been under review for more than eight years as part of its application process.