Michigan’s New Opportunity to Protect the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a national treasure, holding 21% of the world’s fresh surface water and a critical resource for drinking water, tourism, recreation, and jobs. But for decades, these waters have been threatened by Canadian fossil fuel giant Enbridge’s Line 5, a 72-year-old crude oil pipeline. It runs through the Straits of Mackinac—a fragile, irreplaceable ecosystem protected by tribal treaty.
With a new administration in Washington, DC, prioritizing Big Oil, Michigan faces a renewed challenge in 2025 to protect this natural resource. However, the State of Michigan holds a powerful opportunity to act decisively by denying the permit to expand Line 5 into a tunnel through the Great Lakes.
Michigan Has the Power—and Responsibility—to Act
While federal policies in 2025 might favor oil interests, the State of Michigan has clear authority and a legal duty to safeguard its natural resources. Under state and federal environmental laws, the proposed Line 5 tunnel requires a clean water permit. Crucially, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has the authority to deny permits that would harm water quality, threaten ecosystems, or perpetuate climate risks.
By denying this required Line 5 oil tunnel permit, Michigan can take a stand to protect its waters and its communities.
Act Now
Now is the time for action. Michigan residents and concerned citizens across the country must raise their voices. Use this form to contact Governor Whitmer and EGLE Director Roos to demand that EGLE deny the Line 5 tunnel permit. Together, we can ensure that the Great Lakes are protected for future generations.
