Michigan Panel Approves Enbridge's Line 5 Tunnel Plan in Straits of Mackinac

The Michigan Public Service Commission has given conditional approval to Enbridge Energy's plan to replace its Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac with a tunnel buried beneath the lakebed. The approval, which drew criticism from tribal governments and environmental groups, is just one step in the process for Enbridge to proceed with the project. The proposed tunnel aims to eliminate the risk of an environmentally catastrophic line rupture caused by an anchor strike. However, critics argue that the plan poses unforeseen environmental risks and ties Michigan to fossil fuel transmission for another century. The approval comes with conditions, including the need for all required government approvals and a detailed risk management plan from Enbridge.