Parties point to key evidence excluded in the MPSC case

A brief submitted by four Tribal Nations asking the Michigan Court of Appeals to overturn the Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC’s) recent approval for Canadian oil giant Enbridge to build the Line 5 tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

Biden administration agrees that Enbridge is trespassing on Bad River Band Reservation

The Line 5 pipeline has leaked over 1 million gallons of oil to date and threatens the Great Lakes.

A letter from more than 30 Tribal Nations in the Great Lakes region sent to President Joe Biden urging the United States to speak out against the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline’s trespass on the Bad River Band’s land.

Debbie Chizewer, Managing Attorney, Midwest Office: “It would really limit the ability of state governments and tribal nations and others to protect the interests that have been widely accepted for many years. If you can’t protect your land from a trespass because of the oil pipelines, what’s the point of having your own land?”

Christopher Clark, Senior Attorney, Midwest Office: “In the contested case, we had a tunneling expert and a pipeline safety expert raise significant safety concerns about this tunnel. The concern is that there would be a leak of product within the enclosed tunnel that would create an explosive environment underneath the Straits of Mackinac, which just…

Enbridge’s proposed tunnel project is opposed by Tribes, businesses, and environmental groups.

Bay Mills Indian Community condemns decision by Michigan Public Service Commission

Amicus brief asks 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to remand Nessel v. Enbridge to state court

Over 60 Tribal Nations represented by Earthjustice and NARF ask 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to remand Nessel v. Enbridge to state court.

A Line 5 backgrounder for reporters with the current status of related legal fights.

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

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.

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.