State Sen. Ed McBroom and state Reps. Karl Bohnak, Parker Fairbairn, Greg Markkanen, and Dave Prestin on Thursday applauded President Donald Trump and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for agreeing to expedite the permitting process for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel project. The fast-tracking of the project also comes after Prestin and Markkanen, joined by 33 other state legislators, sent a letter last year to the Army Corps, urging them to expedite the review process.

“It may have taken a year, but I’m glad that the Army Corps took my advice and agreed to fast-track the Line 5 tunnel project,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “It’s moves like this that prove how impactful strong leadership can be. I’m sure the Army Corps saw my letter, but they listened because the administration recognizes the importance of the pipeline and is fighting to keep it open.”

Enbridge is not seeking public money to complete construction of the tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. In fact, the $500 million investment in Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan communities would come at no additional expense for taxpayers.

“What Joe Biden couldn’t get done in four years took President Trump four months,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “Yoopers, folks living in Northern Michigan, and businesses throughout the Midwest rely on the energy piped through Line 5. President Trump isn’t going to let a few radical environmentalists and grumpy, deep-state bureaucrats stand in the way of this critical fuel source.”

Approval by the Corps is the final hurdle before construction can begin. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy approved Enbridge’s proposal more than three years ago. The Michigan Public Service Commission sanctioned the pipeline plan in late 2023.

“Constructing this tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the safest and most efficient way to guarantee the longevity of Line 5,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “Enbridge isn’t asking for anything but a willing partner in return. They’ve faced a lot of unnecessary obstruction, but it’s good to see the Army Corps finally decide to help get this project done as soon as possible.”

“The opposition claims the Corps must review so many things outside of their purview when their only job here is to approve the tunnel entry on the shores- a 1/4-acre impact,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “All the delays and bellyaching have only served to slow down the one, agreed goal: remove the pipeline from the water. The opposition shows repeatedly it really is anti-petroleum more than pro-Great Lakes.”

The Line 5 pipeline already supplies propane to much of the U.P. and Northern Michigan. The 2023-24 Winter Energy Appraisal, released by the Michigan Public Service Commission, estimated around 800,000 people rely on propane from Line 5 for heating.

“Continued operation of the Line 5 pipeline is absolutely critical for continued access to reliable and affordable energy in the U.P. and across Michigan,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “A project of this magnitude brings a huge opportunity to attract skilled laborers to our U.P. and Northern Michigan communities. The huge positive impact of the project will extend far beyond just the fuel being transported beneath the Straits. I applaud the Army Corps for agreeing to move this project forward with the utmost urgency.”

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