Tribes, advocates oppose new permits for Line 5 tunnel project
State approvals move Enbridge’s proposal forward as tribal nations and environmental groups prepare appeals
Two Michigan agencies have approved another set of permits for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac, according to reporting from Michigan Advance. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy reapproved permits related to wetlands and Great Lakes submerged lands, while the Department of Natural Resources approved a permit requiring measures to reduce impacts on rare plants and animals. The project still requires additional state and federal approvals before construction can begin.
Great Lakes tribal nations and environmental organizations criticized the decision and said they plan to appeal the permits, according to the Michigan Advance reporting. Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle called the approvals “a betrayal,” citing concerns about tribal sovereignty and the protection of the Great Lakes. The Bay Mills Indian Community and several other tribes continue to challenge a separate permit for the project before the Michigan Supreme Court.
- 1.Kyle Davidson. Tribes, environmental advocates decry Michigan’s approval of Line 5 permits. Michigan Advance, .
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