In a contentious decision, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has issued a permit to Canadian oil giant Enbridge, allowing the replacement of the existing Line 5 dual oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac with an untested underground pipeline tunnel.
The MPSC’s approval has sparked criticism from environmental groups, including the Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN), represented by the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC). Dr. Denise Keele, Executive Director of MiCAN, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the unnecessary and dangerous investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure.
Experts argue that the tunnel’s construction will worsen the climate crisis, emitting an estimated 27 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Despite the MPSC’s decision, ELPC Managing Attorney Scott Strand notes potential hurdles, citing necessary permits from federal agencies and ongoing legal challenges that could impact the project’s future.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
