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Enbridge Defends Line 5 Pipeline Replacement Plan in Michigan Supreme Court
Energy company argues tunnel is better for environment than existing lakebed pipelines
Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:07pm
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Enbridge Inc. argued before the Michigan Supreme Court that its plan to replace a segment of the controversial Line 5 pipeline with a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the better environmental option compared to continuing to use the existing decades-old lakebed pipelines. The energy company's attorney told the justices that the choice is between transporting oil and gas through the existing pipelines or through a new tunnel, and that "the environmental calculus there is obvious."
Why it matters
The Line 5 pipeline has been a major point of contention between Enbridge and environmental groups who argue the existing pipelines pose a risk of spills in the ecologically sensitive Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge is seeking to replace the segment with a tunnel, which it claims would be safer for the environment.
The details
Enbridge is seeking to replace a segment of its Line 5 pipeline that runs along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac with a new tunnel that would be buried beneath the lakebed. The company argues this would be a safer and more environmentally-friendly option than continuing to use the existing decades-old pipelines. Environmental groups have fiercely opposed the Line 5 pipeline, citing the risk of spills in the ecologically sensitive waterway.
- The Michigan Supreme Court arguments took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The players
Enbridge Inc.
A Canadian energy company that operates the controversial Line 5 pipeline, which transports oil and natural gas across the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan.
John J. Bursch
The attorney representing Enbridge in the Michigan Supreme Court arguments.
What they’re saying
“Now, the environmental calculus there is obvious, and ...”
— John J. Bursch, Enbridge Attorney
What’s next
The Michigan Supreme Court is expected to rule on Enbridge's pipeline replacement plan in the coming months.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between energy companies and environmental groups over the future of aging fossil fuel infrastructure, with both sides making arguments about which option is better for the environment.
