The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld a permit for Enbridge Energy’s plan to bury an oil pipeline beneath the environmentally sensitive Straits of Mackinac. The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel essentially held there was no reason to reverse the energy-regulating Michigan Public Service Commission’s decision to OK the permit request. The case was filed by a coalition of environmental groups and four tribal nations that are trying to block Enbridge’s plans to bury and encase a section of Line 5 in a tunnel.

State Rep. Dave Prestin, of Cedar River reacting to the court’s decision said  “The Court of Appeals decision  just underscores what we already knew: Enbridge’s plan to relocate the Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the safest and most efficient way to ensure continued access to a stream of reliable, baseload energy for Michigan homes and businesses. He said I hope this decision encourages President Trump and federal officials to push the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite their review of the tunnel project.