The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will meet next week in Sturgeon Bay. We’re asking you to attend — in person or via Zoom — and urge the Board to take action to revoke Enbridge’s reroute construction permit. If you aren’t able to attend the meeting, you can submit a written comment.
When: Wednesday, September 23, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Online via Zoom or in person at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay
⚠️ The deadline for submitting written comments or registering to attend is 11 a.m. on September 16.
Background
On August 25, a pipeline accident at an Enbridge Line 5 construction site in Iron County resulted in the largest oil and gas spill in Wisconsin history. Enbridge rushed to get Line 5 operating again by building an unauthorized bypass around the spill site—even though the DNR told Enbridge to stop and issued the company a Notice of Noncompliance.
The company has caused significant environmental harm, violated permit requirements and continued unauthorized activity even after being warned by state regulators. That is a pattern of conduct that demands a meaningful response.
How to attend in person or via Zoom
Contact the NRB Liaison at dnrnrbliaison@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-7420 to register. You must register by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16. The Board’s open forum provides an opportunity to speak about issues that are not otherwise on the agenda. Each speaker is generally limited to three minutes. Find details here.
How to submit a written comment
Email your comment to dnrnrbliaison@wisconsin.gov by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16. Find details here.
What should you tell the Board?
You don’t need to be a lawyer or an expert on Line 5. Tell the Board why you believe Wisconsin must enforce its environmental protections and hold Enbridge accountable.
You can emphasize the following:
- Enbridge continued with unauthorized construction despite DNR’s direction to stop.
- The company’s recent violations are part of a larger pattern, not an isolated incident.
- Permit conditions are meaningless if companies can violate them without meaningful consequences.
- Wisconsin should use its authority to revoke Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute permit.
