Michigan Environmental Groups Challenge Line 5 Tunnel Project Over Critical Climate Concerns – Inside Climate News

Groups have raised concerns over the Line 5 oil pipeline project in Michigan. They argue that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hasn’t done enough to analyze the project’s impact on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

On May 30, the Corps released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Enbridge Energy Line 5 Tunnel Project. This project involves building a 3.6-mile tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac to replace part of the existing pipeline, which transports 540,000 barrels of oil and gas per day.

Experts from the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) and the Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN) believe the draft EIS is lacking. They say it fails to consider climate change and the potential negative effects of the project.

Ellis Walton, an attorney at ELPC, noted, “The Corps decided to ignore greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts. They based this on an executive order from earlier this year.” He emphasized that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a thorough review of foreseeable effects from such projects.

The Corps’ actions come at a time when environmental regulations are changing rapidly, which experts worry will affect public health and reduce citizen input in government decisions. NEPA has been pivotal since its inception in 1970, often seen as the foundation of U.S. environmental law. Changes announced in June aimed to streamline the review process, which the White House described as “overly burdensome.”

Recent data indicates a significant rise in public concern about climate issues. A survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that 72% of Americans see climate change as a major threat to the country. In light of this, groups like ELPC argue that ignoring climate factors in projects like Line 5 undermines public interest.

Michigan is moving toward a renewable energy future. The state has set a goal for 60% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. Walton pointed out that approving the Line 5 tunnel would contradict these environmental goals.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been a vocal critic of the pipeline. In 2020, she ordered the revocation of Enbridge’s permit to operate the dual pipelines in the Straits. The company has since challenged this decision in court. The situation underscores a broader debate regarding fossil fuels and public health, particularly as the fossil fuel industry recently reported record profits amid rising energy costs.

As the project garners more public attention, Denise Keele from MiCAN warns about the implications of proceeding without proper climate analysis. “If this project moves forward, it could set a dangerous precedent. Other companies might use it to argue against comprehensive climate reviews,” she said.

The public comment period for the draft EIS was notably short—only 30 days instead of the usual 60 or 90 days for such large projects. This has raised red flags for activists, who feel they were sidelined in this crucial phase of the review.

The debate surrounding the Line 5 project reflects broader issues regarding energy policy in the U.S. As citizens demand more transparency and accountability, the interplay between energy needs and environmental impacts becomes increasingly significant.

The Corps plans to continue the review process despite rising pushback, reiterating its stance based on current executive orders. With ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny, the future of the Line 5 project remains uncertain.

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