US Army Corps approves a pipeline project it knows harms Indigenous lands

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved a key permit for Enbridge Energy's plan to replace a 4-mile section of the Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan. The current pipeline lies exposed on the lakebed; the new segment would run through a tunnel drilled beneath it. The Army Corps says the tunnel would reduce risks like leaks from a boat anchor strike, and found the project would not violate tribal treaty rights, even though its own review acknowledged permanent harm to wetlands, vegetation, and cultural resources. Michigan tribal nations, who consider the straits sacred and hold treaty-protected fishing and hunting rights there, call the decision disrespectful and say they were sidelined in the review, which was fast-tracked under a Trump administration executive order on energy.

This is a federal approval, but it doesn't clear the way for construction yet. Enbridge still needs state permits. Michigan's environmental agency is reviewing a wastewater discharge permit, with a decision expected by the end of September. Separately, the state Supreme Court recently sent an earlier state permit back for more review, and Governor Whitmer's administration is in a separate legal fight over whether it can shut down the pipeline. Tribal lawyers say they may challenge the federal permit in court.

For homeowners, this doesn't affect energy bills or upgrade programs directly. It's a regional dispute over pipeline safety, environmental review, and tribal rights that will keep playing out in state and federal courts before any construction can begin.