Great Lakes Wire

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a prominent small business advocacy group in Michigan, has called on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to approve permits for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel. Amanda Fisher, NFIB State Director, submitted comments supporting both Line 5 and the necessary permitting process for the tunnel.

Fisher stated, “The Great Lake Tunnel is not just an energy project – it’s a strategic infrastructure investment for Michigan. Overwhelming majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents support construction of the Tunnel and believe it’s the best solution for Line 5. Our members support it, too.”

A recent survey among NFIB Michigan members found that more than 72% opposed shutting down Line 5.

EGLE's public comment period on Enbridge’s application to move a section of Line 5 from underwater in the Straits into a tunnel beneath the lakebed will close this Friday.

NFIB participates in the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition, which brings together labor unions, business groups, economic development organizations, energy industry representatives, and local residents. The coalition is submitting thousands of signatures from state residents to EGLE to show support for issuing permits for the tunnel project.