GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A group of 35 Michigan Republicans are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to speed up its review of the environmental impact for Enbridge’s proposed tunnel to replace Line 5.
A letter seeking to fast-track the review was penned by state Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, and co-signed by several lawmakers from West Michigan, including state Reps. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford; Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville; and Angela Rigas, R-Alto.
The $500 million plan was approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission in December, but federal law dictates that construction cannot start until the USACE can confirm that the project will not “significantly affect the quality of the human environment.”
Previous reports stated a ruling from the USACE could take until 2026. In a letter to Michael Connor, the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the group of Michigan representatives called for an “expeditious completion.”
“A tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the optimal solution to safeguard the Great Lakes while ensuring vital energy products are continuously provided to residents in Upper and Lower Michigan, as well as communities nationwide,” the letter stated . “Given that Line 5 serves over half of Michigan’s propane customers, its role is pivotal in ensuring propane affordability.”