9/16/2025

ASHLAND COUNTY – Yesterday Lawyers for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and environmental groups challenged the Wisconsin DNR permits for a 41-mile reroute of the Line 5 pipeline in Ashland County. Tribal chairman Robert Blanchard and experts will testify against the permits. Enbridge and business leaders highlight a thorough review process, but U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval is still needed. Earthjustice attorney Stefanie Tsosie emphasized the Band’s voice and the “permanent and irreversible destruction” the reroute would cause. Enbridge, calling it “the most-studied pipeline project in state history,” has stated the reroute would have minimal impacts. Enbridge will present its case next week, followed by the Department of Natural Resources. The hearings are being held at Northwood Technical College for the rest of the week, then move down to Madison. Enbridge is expected to present its side then. The case is expected to wrap up around Oct. 3 with a decision expected by the end of the year by the administrative law judge