Now is the time for action. Michigan residents and concerned citizens nationwide must raise their voices. Use the suggested script below to call Governor Whitmer to demand that EGLE deny the proposed Line 5 tunnel permit. Together, we can ensure that the Great Lakes are protected for future generations.Phone Script to Call Gov. Whitmer
517-335-7858
My name is _____, and I’m calling today to urge Governor Whitmer to protect our water by directing the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to deny the permit for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.
The Line 5 pipeline is an imminent threat, and building a tunnel to house it is no solution. Construction would destroy wetlands, disrupt aquatic habitats, and perpetuate our reliance on fossil fuels during a critical time for climate action. Worse, the tunnel poses risks of explosion from natural gas liquids, shifting financial liability to Michigan taxpayers for 100 years.
I urge Governor Whitmer to ensure that Michigan prioritizes water quality, ecosystem health, and a sustainable future by rejecting Enbridge’s tunnel scheme.
Calls are most effective, but you can also send an email.
Use the form below to email Gov. Whitmer. Use the text as included or customize it with your message. We'll also copy EGLE Director Roos.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The Tunnel is a Dangerous, Unstudied Gamble
- No Thorough Analysis: Neither state nor federal agencies have done deep, independent studies to understand how an oil tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac would affect the environment, tribal treaty rights, climate stability, and shipping navigation.
- Too Precious to Risk: The Great Lakes provide drinking water to millions and fuel a thriving economy. It’s reckless to rush ahead without a complete, science-based examination.
The Tunnel Is No Solution
- Threatens Ecosystems & Climate: Construction would destroy wetlands, risk contamination, endanger tribal treaty rights, and lock in fossil fuel use for decades at a time when we need to act on climate.
- Existing Pipeline Still Dangerous: Even if the Straits segment goes in a tunnel, the rest of the 645-mile Line 5 pipeline remains a spill waiting to happen. The tunnel doesn’t address the root danger—it just hides it.
- We Don't Need Line 5: Enbridge's own experts testified that removing Line 5 would only increase transportation fuel prices by 0.5 cents per gallon
We Must Demand a Comprehensive Examination and a Shutdown
- Real Oversight, Not Backroom Deals: We can’t rely on industry assurances that have repeatedly proven insufficient. We must push for a transparent, full review of the tunnel’s true costs and risks.
- Shut Down Line 5 Now: Don’t gamble on a half-measure. Protecting our water and climate means denying the tunnel permit and ending Line 5 operations.