Environmental groups in Michigan, including the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Michigan Climate Action Network, have criticized the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Line 5 Tunnel Project, arguing it fails to adequately consider climate change impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the draft EIS on May 30, 2025, for a project involving a 3.6-mile tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac to replace the existing Line 5 pipeline, which transports 540,000 barrels of oil and natural gas liquids daily.

Experts and environmental advocates argue that the Corps neglected to analyze foreseeable climate impacts and greenhouse gas emissions, which they believe violates the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The Corps defended its decision to exclude climate considerations from the draft EIS, citing a January 20, 2025, executive order from President Trump that prioritized energy production and deregulation.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has actively opposed the project, having revoked Enbridge's operating permit in 2020, a move that the company is legally challenging.

Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy emphasized the company's value on public input, while White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly defended the project as beneficial for local economies and energy security.

Michigan aims to increase renewable energy generation to 60% by 2030, and opponents argue that continuing fossil fuel projects like Line 5 contradicts the state's climate goals and energy transition plans.

Protests against the Line 5 project occurred during the Mackinac Policy Conference on May 29, 2025, with demonstrators raising concerns over climate change impacts.

Public comments on the draft EIS were limited to 30 days, a shorter period than usual for large projects, drawing criticism from environmental advocates.

Legal challenges and scrutiny over the project have persisted for over a decade, with Michigan officials opposing Enbridge's operations and raising environmental concerns.

Recent changes to NEPA regulations, aimed at streamlining environmental reviews, are criticized for potentially limiting comprehensive environmental assessments and public participation.