apnews.com
Line 5 Reroute Approved Amidst Opposition
Enbridge secures permits for Line 5 reroute despite tribal and environmental opposition, facing legal challenges and strict conditions.
English
United States
Us PoliticsEnergy SecurityEnvironmentLawsuitEnergyPipelineTribe
EnbridgeWisconsin Department Of Natural ResourcesBad River Band Of Lake Superior ChippewaU.s. Army Corps Of Engineers
Robert BlanchardDana NesselWilliam Conley
- What conditions were attached to the DNR permits?
- The DNR issued permits with over 200 conditions, including deadlines, environmental monitoring, and spill response protocols. Enbridge must complete the project by November 14, 2027, and adhere to strict regulations to minimize environmental impact.
- What other legal challenges are related to Line 5?
- Legal battles surround Line 5, including a Michigan lawsuit to shut down sections under the Straits of Mackinac. While Michigan regulators approved a tunnel plan, it awaits federal approval. Enbridge is appealing the court order to shut down the section on the reservation.
- What is the history of Line 5 and the legal issues surrounding it?
- Line 5 transports significant amounts of oil and gas daily, and the 71-year-old pipeline section crossing the Bad River reservation has been subject to legal challenges from the tribe. A court order mandates the pipeline's closure within three years unless the reroute is complete.
- What are the concerns of the Bad River tribe regarding the pipeline reroute?
- The Bad River tribe strongly opposes the reroute, citing potential devastation to wetlands and wild rice beds, referencing similar issues with Line 3 construction. Chairman Robert Blanchard expressed anger at the DNR's approval.
- What permits did Enbridge receive, and what is the main opposition to the project?
- Enbridge received permits from the Wisconsin DNR to reroute Line 5 around the Bad River reservation, a project opposed by the tribe and environmentalists due to potential environmental damage and continued fossil fuel use.