3/06/2026

ASHLAND - Enbridge will without limit will reimburse Wisconsin law enforcement for policing protests against its controversial 41-mile Line 5 reroute. The Public Safety Expense Reimbursement Agreement, negotiated between Enbridge and the Wisconsin Counties Association, uses Enbridge-paid escrow funds to cover protest-related costs, like patrols and crowd control. Critics call it a "blatant conflict of interest," turning public service into "private security," and raise concerns about policing bias. Supporters favor it to avoid taxpayer costs, which one lawyer estimated could reach "millions."  Ashland and Iron counties have approved the deal, but Bayfield County has rejected it. The agreement has a highly confidential communications clause that the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council believes undermines public records laws. Enbridge calls the arrangement a "constructive solution" to prevent local taxpayers from being "saddled with these extra costs."