ACTION ALERT: The deadline for submitting feedback to the DNR on its environmental review of Line 5 has been extended! Submit your comments by Friday, April 15.
WHAT IS LINE 5?
Line 5 is a hazardous liquid pipeline operated by Enbridge Energy. The pipeline conveys light and synthetic crude oil and natural gas liquids from Superior, Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ontario through northern Wisconsin and both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Enbridge has proposed building a new section of Line 5 in northern Wisconsin.
WHAT IMPACT WOULD LINE 5 CONSTRUCTION HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT?
The construction project—which would stretch for more than 40 miles and cross nearly 200 waterbodies—poses significant risks to the region, while continued reliance on fossil fuels threatens public health, the environment, and the economy.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Enbridge's proposal to build a new section of Line 5. Under state law, the draft EIS must contain information about how the project would impact people, natural resources, and the economy. It must also include an analysis of alternatives to the proposed project.
The draft EIS does not properly recognize how harmful Enbridge’s proposal for a new Line 5 segment would be to the water, wetlands, or climate. It also fails to recognize the authority of the treaty rights of the Tribes in Wisconsin. The DNR should not move forward with an incomplete or inaccurate EIS that downplays the very serious impacts of the proposal.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS?
Given the significant risks associated with the Line 5 proposal, government regulators and members of the public must hold Enbridge's plans to the highest possible legal and environmental scrutiny. According to state law, the DNR must consider public comments before issuing a final environmental impact statement.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
You can weigh in on the draft Environmental Impact Statement at an upcoming virtual hearing or in writing. Written comments are due by April 15, 2022 and you can submit them by emailing them to DNROEEACOMMENTS@WI.GOV or by mail to "Line 5 EIS Comments, DNR (EA/7)," 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707
VIEW OUR GUIDE TO PREPARING COMMENTS ON THE LINE 5 DEIS
