5/19/2026

N. WISCONSIN - A Bayfield County judge ruled last week that Enbridge can continue most construction on its Line 5 pipeline reroute in northern Wisconsin. The ruling pauses work only at certain waterways where additional permits are still needed. The Bad River Tribe and environmental groups argued the company lacked legal authority for some river and stream permits. Judge John Anderson said those permits may be on “tenuous legal footing” but declined to halt the entire project. The tribe welcomed the partial halt, citing concerns about clean water, wetlands, and environmental protection. Line 5 carries up to 23 million gallons of oil daily and has faced years of legal challenges, protests, and environmental scrutiny. The Bad River Band is also challenging a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for the project in federal court. Enbridge is seeking to build a 41-mile pipeline segment around the Bad River Reservation. The company said Line 5 is critical energy infrastructure serving refineries and propane production facilities across the Midwest and Great Lakes region.