Advocacy News – July 24, 2025
What’s new: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is now accepting public comments on Enbridge Energy’s permit application for surface facilities tied to the Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel project. While EGLE and the Public Service Commission have both approved permits for the project, a 2024 settlement between Enbridge, EGLE and the Bay Mills Indian Community requires the company to redo its water resources permit using the results of new wetlands surveys.
What this means: Permit approval is being considered under authority of Part 303, Wetlands Protection, and Part 325, Great Lakes Submerged Lands, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA); Water Quality Certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act; and concurrence with the Consistency Certification submitted under Section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act. Activities include building construction, construction laydown areas, tunnel portal construction, and road improvements within wetlands.
What’s next: Acknowledging significant public interest in this project, EGLE says the comment period will remain open through Aug. 29. During this time, EGLE will host two virtual meetings:
- The first is an informational session Aug. 12, where EGLE will explain the application and review process and take questions from the public.
- The second is a formal public hearing Aug. 19, where public comments will be officially recorded.
The bottom line: Enbridge applied for its federal permits five years ago and has completed 40,000+ hours of survey work as part of the permitting process. The pipeline transports more than 22 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids through the Great Lakes daily and is a critical energy lifeline for the state and region.
- 55% of the propane for Michigan’s lower peninsula is supplied by the pipeline, and its refined products are used for everything from everyday household products to jet fuel.
Your voice is important! Tell regulators why the Great Lakes Tunnel is needed to secure the future of Michigan’s energy needs by sharing your thoughts during the open comment period or participating in the public hearing process.
Go deeper: Learn more by visiting EGLE landing page. For questions contact Mike Alaimo.