Advocacy News – January 18, 2022
Last week, the Michigan Public Service Commission initiated several hearings regarding a permit request from energy delivery company Enbridge, Inc. to construct a new Line 5 pipeline that will be housed in an underground tunnel deep within the lakebed of the Mackinac Straits.
The Michigan Chamber continues to advocate for the tunnel project, and is part of a diverse coalition in support of the initiative. Leading Michigan voices from labor, business and communities across the state have formed the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition to help advance the project and the important water resources, energy access and infrastructure and jobs the tunnel would protect.
Jim Holcomb, president & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said: “Building the Great Lakes Tunnel will help ensure Michigan’s families, businesses and communities have access to affordable and reliable energy for generations to come, all while protecting one of our most tremendous assets – the Great Lakes. That’s the type of smart, bipartisan, practical solution that our citizens expect and deserve.”
Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents support construction of the Tunnel, believe it’s the best solution for Line 5 and want the state to move forward immediately with permitting for the project, according to survey results. Upon conclusion of the hearing parties in the proceeding, briefs are to be submitted by February 18 with replies due March 11.
For more information, please contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com.