February 20, 2025
The Trump administration has moved to fast-track more than 600 permits for a range of infrastructure projects, including the Line 5 tunnel project that needs permit approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Line 5 tunnel project is currently shortlisted for “emergency” status after President Trump declared a national energy emergency in one of his Executive Orders. In response,
Dave Scott, Senior Attorney at ELPC, said:
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has previously recognized that the National Environmental Policy Act, a federal statute enacted by Congress, requires it to consider the Line 5 tunnel project’s impacts on the natural, cultural, and human environment. The Corps has also recognized that this project has the potential to significantly affect the quality of the environment, and so it must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Corps has recognized not only that the public has a right to participate, but also that public participation is a key part of this process. The Corps has said that it will issue a draft EIS for public comment this Spring. The Corps needs to stick with that process, and it needs to complete a thorough, well-considered review. Attempting to circumvent the process now by being added to a fast-track list would violate the law and defy common sense.”
Denise Keele, Executive Director at Michigan Climate Action Network, said:
“The Great Lakes supply drinking water for millions and sustain a multi-billion-dollar tourism and fishing industry. Rushing the approval process for this controversial project without thorough review threatens these vital resources and denies the voices of concerned citizens.”