Labor Unions, Employers, Affordability Advocates Applaud U.S. Army Corps for Key Step in Great Lakes Tunnel Permitting Process

Great Lakes Michigan Jobs Coalition Stands Together to Back Construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel

Lansing, Mich – Labor unions and workforce organizations representing workers, job creators, and industry leaders in Michigan and across the Midwest today celebrated the publication by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of its final Environmental Impact Statement – or EIS – in the Great Lakes Tunnel permitting process.

An EIS is a detailed document required by the National Environmental Policy Act for major federal permitting actions and will help inform decision makers at the Corps as they consider federal permits needed for Tunnel construction.

“The progress being made by the Army Corps is exciting, and it’s going to mean a lot for energy affordability across Michigan,” said Brent Pilarski, Business Manager for the Michigan Laborers District Council. “Building the Tunnel means jobs, great wages, and affordable energy. It’ll make a safe pipeline even safer, too. There aren’t many issues in Michigan with such overwhelming public support. Let’s get these permits and let’s get to work.”

Residents across both peninsulas rely on Line 5 for affordable home heating fuel and much more. Job makers and workers rely on Line 5 for the fuel they need to make the products residents depend on, to provide good paying jobs, and to power their work sites.

The Great Lakes Tunnel energy infrastructure project was approved by the Michigan legislature and signed by the governor in 2018.  State experts have concluded that the risk of a spill into the straits from the Tunnel is “virtually zero.” Construction of the Tunnel is the answer.

Line 5 delivers approximately 23 million gallons per day of fuel Michigan and surrounding states use to gas up their cars, power their equipment at work, and create jobs. 

“Enbridge has been working every day for years to get these permits approved, and the publication of today’s EIS is a big step forward,”  said Mike Witkowski, Director of Environmental and Regulatory Policy at the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “Energy affordability matters to Michigan manufacturers. Building the Tunnel is a critical step on the path to affordability for our next generation. We’re confident Corps will do the right thing and green light this critical energy infrastructure project.”

Said Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce: "Energy reliability and affordability are critical to Michigan's future, and the Tunnel project delivers while keeping our Great Lakes safe."

Said Derek Dalling, Executive Director of the Michigan Propane Gas Association: "Today's announcement by the Army Corps is great news for Michigan businesses and families. Our state relies on Line 5 and we're counting on the Tunnel."

Leading Michigan voices from labor, business and industry formed the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition.  They work together, encouraging state and federal agencies currently reviewing permit applications – and all Michiganders – to embrace the Tunnel project, and the lakes and jobs it protects.

Overwhelming majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents support construction of the Tunnel, believe it’s the best solution for Line 5, and want the state to move forward immediately with permitting for the project, according to recent survey results.

To learn more about the coalition and the Great Lakes Tunnel project, visit GreatLakesMichiganJobs.com.