Stop the Enbridge Crisis End Run

Dear Gov. Whitmer:

As COVID-19, the disease caused by a novel coronavirus has spread throughout Michigan, Executive Order 2020-4 was issued on March 10, 2020, which declared a State of Emergency in Michigan to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the virus has continued to impact Michigan severely. As a result, on April 1, 2020, a State of Emergency and a State of Disaster was declared across the State of Michigan.

In light of these circumstances we request that you order the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to prioritize actions that are responsive to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its economic impact. We believe that emergency and other urgent matters relating to health, safety, financial, or security should receive the state’s full attention. Specifically, we are requesting that you utilize the emergency declaration to delay the review of permit applications submitted by Enbridge for their proposed Straits of Mackinac Tunnel.

EGLE should consider delaying review for the Enbridge Energy permit applications for the Straits of Mackinac Tunnel Project until it has been determined emergency and disaster conditions no longer exist and appropriate programs have been implemented to allow for full and proper public engagement, as required by law.

Taking these steps would help to ensure that all appropriate state resources are directed towards the present public health and state emergency. It would also mean that the state government would not unnecessarily take steps that would call for action by local governments, businesses and other organizations affected by the current emergencies, or by our residents, whose ability to meet and communicate with each other has been limited by measures adopted in response to the emergencies. Furthermore, the ability to hold public hearings and public comment during the state emergency will not be possible.