July 23, 2026
LANSING, Michigan --- Labor unions, business organizations, and industry groups are praising the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) after the agency renewed a key permit for the proposed Great Lakes Tunnel project, marking another milestone for the controversial Line 5 infrastructure initiative.
Supporters say the permit moves the long-planned project one step closer to construction. The tunnel would house a section of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac, replacing the existing dual pipelines that rest on the lakebed.
The project, approved by the Michigan Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's predecessor in 2018, is intended to reduce the risk of an oil spill while maintaining the flow of energy supplies to Michigan and neighboring states.
Members of the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs Coalition, which includes labor unions, manufacturers, chambers of commerce, and energy industry organizations welcomed the permit approval, saying the project will create thousands of construction jobs while protecting one of the state's most environmentally sensitive waterways.
Brent Pilarski, business manager for the Michigan Laborers District Council, called the permit "a step toward the kind of energy infrastructure project that means good jobs and affordable energy."
"Michigan labor is ready to get to work," Pilarski said.
Mike Smith, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council, said union members across northern Michigan support the tunnel because they believe it will both protect the Great Lakes and provide high-paying jobs. "The permit represents another important step, and we're eager for regulators to complete the remaining approvals needed before construction can begin," Smith said.
Business organizations also praised the decision. Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, said the project provides what he described as the best path to balancing environmental protection with reliable energy supplies for businesses and residents.
The Michigan Manufacturers Association echoed that position, with Director of Environmental Policy Mike Witkowski describing the tunnel as a significant investment in modernizing Michigan's energy infrastructure while maintaining dependable fuel delivery for manufacturers and communities.
Michigan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Holcomb said reliable, affordable energy remains essential for the state's economy and called the tunnel a "commonsense solution" that strengthens protection of the Great Lakes while preserving critical infrastructure. Energy providers also emphasized the importance of Line 5.
Derek Dalling, executive director of the Michigan Propane Gas Association, said many Michigan residents depend on propane transported through the pipeline, particularly in rural communities.
Line 5 transports approximately 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids each day through Michigan, supplying refineries that produce gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and propane used throughout the Great Lakes region. Supporters argue relocating the pipeline inside a concrete-lined tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac would significantly reduce environmental risks while ensuring long-term energy reliability. Coalition members cited previous state analyses concluding the risk of a spill from the tunnel would be "virtually zero."
The Great Lakes Tunnel remains one of Michigan's most closely watched infrastructure projects.
While labor and business organizations strongly support construction, environmental organizations and tribal governments have continued to oppose the project, arguing the Line 5 pipeline itself poses unacceptable risks to the Great Lakes and should instead be permanently decommissioned.
Additional state and federal permits are still required before construction can begin. The Great Lakes Michigan Jobs Coalition said it will continue urging regulators to approve the remaining permits, citing recent polling that it says shows broad bipartisan public support for the tunnel project among Michigan voters.
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