Ask Gov Whitmer and EGLE to Deny the Line 5 Oil Tunnel Permit

On July 15th 2026 the Mackinac Bridge disappeared in the smoke blanketing Michigan from Canadian wildfires fueled by the climate crisis. And on the same day EGLE reissued a permit advancing a brand-new oil tunnel under the Great Lakes, over more than 70,000 public comments to EGLE and tens of thousands more directly to Governor Whitmer in opposition were disregarded.

This is an abhorrent decision.

EGLE has one decision remaining: the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. If approved, the permit would allow Enbridge discharge millions of gallons of tunnel construction wastewater into Lake Michigan.

We can't see through the smoke. But we can clearly see that continuing to put the health of our climate, water, and lives at risk for Canadian fossil fuel is the wrong thing for Michigan.

Tell EGLE and Governor Whitmer to do the right thing, deny the NPDES permit, stop the tunnel, and shut down Line 5 for good.

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Every day over 20 million gallons of oil flow through the aging twin Line 5 pipelines located in the heart of the Great Lakes, used as a shortcut to take crude tar sands oil from Alberta to Ontario. Our climate and precious fresh water resources are put at risk for fossil fuel profit by a company that has already caused the largest inland oil spill in US history.

Michigan’s Must 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 73-year-old crude oil pipeline. It runs through the Straits of Mackinac — a fragile, irreplaceable ecosystem protected by tribal treaty.It was only built to last 50 years. And the proposed tunnel scheme, destructive itself, would also keep the dangerous Line 5 open for another 7-10 years.

With the Trump Administration prioritizing Big Oil and enthusiastically supporting Canadian fossil fuel profits, Michigan faces a renewed challenge and responsibility to protect our most precious natural resource. However, the State of Michigan holds a powerful opportunity to act decisively by denying needed permits to expand Line 5 into a tunnel through the Great Lakes.

Michigan Has the Power—and Responsibility—to Act
While federal policies in 2026 might favor oil interests, the State of Michigan has clear authority and a legal duty to safeguard its natural resources. 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 the final pending Line 5 NPDES permit, Michigan can take a stand to protect its waters and its communities.

Act Now
Now is the time for action. Tell Governor Whitmer and EGLE Director Roos to leave their positions with a legacy to be proud of. Michigan residents and concerned citizens across the country must raise their voices.Together, we can ensure that the Great Lakes are protected for future generations.