Michigan Issues Line 5 Tunnel Permits Despite ‘Significant Impacts’ [1]
"State regulators on Wednesday issued two key permits for the Line 5 tunnel. In doing so, they made way for a federal permit decision that all sides expect to result in approval."
"State agencies on Wednesday issued key permits for the controversial Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac, concluding the project’s benefits outweigh drawbacks that include disruption to Native American burial sites and harm to wetlands and rare species.
The permits issued by the departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy also make way for the US Army Corps of Engineers to sign off on the project, which supporters and foes alike expect to happen soon.
The project’s future remains unclear, however, as other permits remain tied up in state and federal court and one Great Lakes tribe promised a new lawsuit over Wednesday’s decision."