Wisconsin Approves Line 5 Pipeline Reroute

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has advanced the permitting process for Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline reroute project, which aims to divert the pipeline around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation, where it has faced legal challenges. The project has been met with strong opposition from tribal leaders and environmental groups, who argue that it poses significant risks to wetlands, wildlife, and tribal treaty rights. Enbridge plans to invest $450 million in the reroute, which will involve construction across critical waterways and wetlands, temporarily disturbing 101 acres and permanently clearing 36 acres of high-value ecosystems. The DNR has issued over 200 conditions for the project, including requirements for spill response and environmental monitoring, while Enbridge has stated the project is vital for maintaining energy supply in Wisconsin. Despite these assurances, critics, including the Bad River Band, express concern over potential environmental impacts, asserting that the project threatens their way of life and natural resources. The situation remains contentious, as further federal approvals are still pending, and public opposition continues to grow.