Michigan Supreme Court hears challenge to Line 5 tunnel permit

The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in two cases challenging a permit issued by the Michigan Public Service Commission for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, according to reporting by Michigan Advance.

The commission approved the permit in December 2023, determining the proposed tunnel would reduce the risk of an oil spill from the dual pipelines that run through the Straits of Mackinac. The Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi appealed the decision along with the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Michigan Climate Action Network. Attorneys argued the commission limited its review and failed to consider alternatives to the project. Enbridge attorney John Bursch said the tunnel would be the safest option to prevent a spill. The court will issue a ruling at a later date.