Michigan regulators weigh final arguments on oil pipeline project

Two final briefs submitted on behalf of the Bay Mills Indian Community to the Michigan Public Service Commission, wrapping up nearly three years of litigation in a contested case over the proposed Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac.

The pipeline is a few yards from exposure to the Bad River, risking a leak that could spread oil into the Great Lakes.

Debbie Chizewer, Managing Attorney of the Midwest Regional Office, Earthjustice: “This 70-year-old pipeline is operating a full 20 years past its design lifetime. Line 5 threatens Tribal Nations and violates the State of Michigan’s shutdown order. It’s time to retire Line 5. Every day that oil flows through the pipeline is another day we risk…

If our leaders were serious about tackling climate change and protecting the Great Lakes, shutting down the Line 5 pipeline would be a layup.

The Bay Mills Indian Community is fighting efforts to extend the life of a dangerous oil pipeline that runs through its tribal territory and one of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems.

Debbie Chizewer, Managing Attorney, Midwest Office, Earthjustice: “It needs to be redone or completely thrown away.”

Michigan Public Service Commission weighs more testimony on the Line 5 tunnel project

Comments submitted by the Bay Mills Indian Community on the US Army Corps’ plan to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac.

Commission expressed the need for greater insight into risks posed by the existing dual pipelines and the proposed tunnel replacement

The threats this project poses to frontline Tribal communities and increasing greenhouse gas emissions are too serious to justify approval of the Tunnel

Christopher Clark, Attorney, Midwest Office, Earthjustice: “In total they’ve filed nine motions to strike testimony from the record, multiple motions directed at testimony submitted by our client the Bay Mills Indian Community, and this is a very disappointing attempt to silence the voice of Tribes before the Michigan Public Service Commission.”

Rulings strike critical testimony of leading tribal experts from Public Service Commission's consideration

Christopher Clark, Attorney, Midwest Office, Earthjustice: “It’s quite disappointing and frustrating that Enbridge has taken such an aggressive position to silence the concerns of the tribes.”

Debbie Chizewer, Managing Attorney, Midwest Office, Earthjustice: “It doesn’t make sense for Enbridge to invest half a billion dollars into infrastructure that wouldn’t be needed in 10 years or less, after Michigan transitions away from fossil fuels.”

Experts stress the most immediate step in addressing the climate crisis is to stop building new fossil fuel infrastructure

Now that Enbridge is operating the Line 5 pipeline illegally, what happens next?

A historic totem pole journey builds pressure on the Biden administration to fulfill promises made to the first peoples of America’s lands and waters.