LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Enbridge Energy keeps moving forward, slowly but thoroughly, on the Line 5 pipeline project in the Straits of Mackinac.

Since 2019, the Canadian-based company has committed to spending $500 million of its own money to build a tunnel around the pipeline that delivers energy to Michigan residents. The Whitmer administration has fought to shut down the pipeline, but continues to lose in court. The most recent loss comes from the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices turned down the state’s appeal, saying a lawsuit by Enbridge Energy over the Line 5 pipeline can move forward despite the governor’s claim of legal protection.

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Ryan Duffy, spokesperson for Enbridge Energy, spoke on The Steve Gruber Show this week. He said the company continues to work with the  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and with the state, to secure permits.

“Line 5 is safe but the tunnel makes it even safer,” Duffy told Gruber. “It makes sense to have [the tunnel] in place enhancing safety, protecting the environment, and making sure we have that energy we need.”

Enbridge Energy has operated in the Straits of Mackinac since 1953. It carries oil and natural gas liquids from Ontario, Canada, through Michigan, and into Wisconsin.