Advocacy News – June 28, 2022
The Michigan Chamber remains laser focused in its advocacy of building the next generation of infrastructure to support the state’s regional and global competitiveness. Energy infrastructure remains a critical component of ensuring safe, reliable and affordable energy resources into the future.
The current regulatory battleground for Line 5 and construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel, which will house a new twin pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac, is at the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The Commission is considering whether Enbridge’s permit application for construction of the tunnel is appropriate. Environmental groups have advocated that the MPSC should view the tunnel project as if Line 5 didn’t exist and therefore calculate environmental impacts as if no pipeline was already in place. But that’s not reality.
In comments submitted by Rivenoak Law Group PC on behalf of the Chamber to the Commission, the Chamber argued that the Michigan Environmental Protection Act makes it clear that the Commission must look at the tunnel project as an alternative to the existing Line 5. “MEPA simply requires that the Commission look at current reality and determine the potential environmental impact of the project compared to that reality,” said Valerie Brader of Rivenoak. “The record is undisputed on this point: it is better for the environment to have a petroleum pipeline in a tunnel deep in the bedrock than it is to have two of them in the Great Lakes.”
In a report conducted by MPSC staff, comments regarding the environmental impact of the tunnel project being considered under the current reality of Line 5 operating in the Straits appeared to agree with the Chamber’s stance.
The Commission is expected to consider Enbridge’s permit at its next hearing on July 7. Members in support of the tunnel project are encouraged to participate if interested. For more information or to get involved, contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com.