by UpNorthLive News --
LANSING, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Four tribal nations and several environmental groups appeared before the Michigan Appeals Court Tuesday to challenge the Line 5 tunnel project.
The groups are asking the court to reverse the Michigan Public Service Commission’s decision to approve a permit for Enbridge to build a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
A decision from the court of appeals could take several weeks or even months.
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“As you all heard today, we presented a compelling case to the Court of Appeals,” Earthjustice Senior Associate Attorney Adam Ratchenski said. “The argument lasted about an hour and we laid out our case for why this needs to go back to the Public Service Commission to do a true consideration of whether this project is needed for Michiganders and for whether or not this project will increase impairment of Michigan natural resources.”
“The decision by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to approve the application for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project came after a tremendous investment of time and deliberation by the MPSC and staff. For nearly four years the MPSC carefully examined this complex issue and considered many viewpoints, questions, concerns, and ideas.
"Ultimately, the MPSC agreed with its staff’s conclusions that placing the Line 5 pipeline in the Great Lakes Tunnel is in the public interest and better protects the Great Lakes," Enbridge said in a statement. "As Commissioner Scripps stated in announcing the approval decision, 'We find that Enbridge’s proposal to relocate the Straits single segment within a concrete lined tunnel housed at the bedrock deep below the lakebed represents the best option.' The Great Lakes Tunnel for Line 5 at the Straits makes what has always been a safe pipeline even safer, ensuring energy access and reliability, and supporting jobs and the economy throughout the region. Building the tunnel has the support of 70 percent of Michiganders. As we proceed with this modernization project, we remain committed to operating Line 5 responsibly with enhanced safety measures in the Straits that protect Michigan’s natural resources and infrastructure in the Straits."
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Ultimately, the MPSC agreed with its staff’s conclusions that placing the Line 5 pipeline in the Great Lakes Tunnel is in the public interest and better protects the Great Lakes.
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This article first appeared at UpNorthLive.
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