LANSING (Jan. 29, 2021) — Today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued the required environmental permits for building the Great Lakes Tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. Issuance of the state permits marks a major milestone for the $500 million infrastructure project that initially will house a new segment of the Line 5 energy pipeline and other public infrastructure in the future.

Line 5 is a key energy supply line for Michigan and the Great Lakes region, supporting the energy and fuel needs of manufacturing, as well as agriculture and other key industries. The line delivers 540,000 barrels — 22.68 million gallons — per day of fuel that helps drive Michigan’s economic competitiveness and heat 55 percent of Michigan’s homes.

“Reliable and affordable energy is critical to Michigan’s manufacturing-based economy,” said Mike Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). “More than 600,000 workers power Michigan’s manufacturing industry, and many of those jobs rely on the energy that is delivered by Line 5. The Great Lakes Tunnel project modernizes the state’s energy infrastructure and secures long-term economic stability and growth. We appreciate the integrity of the EGLE permit review process, moving permits efficiently and in accordance with the state’s environmental protection laws and regulations. The Great Lakes Tunnel is the right long-term solution for protecting the Great Lakes and creating more jobs in Michigan’s energy-driven manufacturing economy.”

MMA is a strong supporter of the Great Lakes Tunnel as fuel from Line 5 helps drive the Michigan manufacturing economy. Regional refineries process the light crude into fuels used to haul raw materials to Michigan’s manufacturers and a wide array of finished goods to market. Michigan citizens benefit directly from the fuels, using them to power their vehicles and to heat their homes. Jet fuel processed by refineries from Line 5 products support the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and other regional airports, enabling passenger and freight transportation that bolsters our economy and quality of life.

For more information, contact MMA Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Johnston at 517-487-8554 or johnston@mimfg.org.

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