As organizations rooted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we have had a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities that define life in our beautiful and often overlooked part of the state. For many years, one issue has stood out as critically important to our economic security, energy stability, and environmental stewardship: the continued operation of Line 5 and the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel.

The Tunnel project represents the most cutting edge, responsible solution to two major challenges: how to protect the Great Lakes from any potential harm and how to maintain the reliable flow of energy to the U.P., the entire state of Michigan, and beyond. It’s the rare solution that satisfies both priorities. And after five years of studies, public hearings, and regulatory reviews, the evidence is clear: the tunnel is ready to be built. We cannot afford further delays.

There’s good news. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finally considering permit applications for the project. It’s been a long time coming. Enbridge actually applied for the permits more than 5 years ago! Throughout the month of June, the Corps is even accepting input from the public as part of their permitting process. We’re asking them to grant the permits.

Line 5 plays an indispensable role in Michigan’s energy infrastructure. It safely transports up to 540,000 barrels of crude oil and natural gas liquids every day, supplying over half of the energy we use in the Upper Peninsula. That’s not just a number–it’s fuel that heats homes, powers businesses, and keeps rural families safe during frigid U.P. winters. If Line 5 were shut down without a replacement, tens of thousands of residents would face skyrocketing costs and limited alternatives.

But no one is ignoring the importance of the Great Lakes. They’re part of who we are. That’s why the Great Lakes Tunnel is so critical. It will move Line 5 out of the water and into a concrete tunnel buried far beneath the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac–virtually eliminating the risk of a spill. This is not a compromise; it’s a bold upgrade that protects both our water and our way of life.

The preparation process has been exhaustive. Enbridge submitted its permit applications back in April 2020. Since then, more than 40,000 hours of survey work has been completed to plan for the project. Every environmental, cultural, engineering, and safety concern has been studied, debated, and accounted for.

In short, the plan for the Great Lakes Tunnel just makes sense. The science supports it. The data is clear. The benefits are obvious. What we need now is leadership, urgency, and political will. Delaying this project any further only increases risk and uncertainty. Without the tunnel, the energy carried by Line 5 would need to be transported by trucks, trains, or barges–less safe, more expensive, and far worse for the environment. The Great Lakes Tunnel offers a future-proof solution: modern infrastructure, protected water, and continued access to the energy we depend on.

Let’s be clear: we’re asking for approval of a smart, science-backed project that respects both our people and our natural resources. And we’re asking for it to happen now. The Great Lakes Tunnel is shovel-ready. It has passed every hurdle. It has the support of communities that rely on it. It is finally time to move from review to reality. Let’s get it built.

We urge regulators to approve permits for this project so that project construction can finally begin.

Readers can add their voice to the process, too, by signing the open letter at BuildTheTunnel.com.