The Warren Sun

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives John James (MI-10) and David Rouzer, Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Chairman on Water Resources and Environment, have sent a letter to Michael L. Connor, assistant secretary for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, emphasizing the critical importance of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project to our energy infrastructure.

In the letter, James and Rouzer express their concerns about the "unprecedented permitting delays" for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project (GLTP) and question the impartiality of the review process used by the Corps. They highlight that the GLTP is essential for the safer transmission of vital energy supplies through the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, along Enbridge Line 5 (Line 5).

As the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, James and Rouzer are deeply concerned that the Corps' current timeline for completing an environmental impact statement (EIS) is being influenced by anti-development opposition. They argue that this timeline is in conflict with the permitting timelines mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA).

The letter states, "The GLTP is a crucial project which would allow for the safer transmission of vital energy supplies through the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, along Enbridge Line 5 (Line 5)." James and Rouzer believe that the GLTP is necessary to ensure the continuous flow of energy resources while also addressing environmental concerns.

The full letter can be accessed by clicking here.

The Great Lakes Tunnel Project has been a subject of debate and controversy, with environmental activists raising concerns about the potential risks it poses to the Great Lakes ecosystem. However, proponents of the project argue that it is a necessary infrastructure development that will enhance the safety and reliability of energy transportation.

The involvement of Rep. John James and Chairman David Rouzer in advocating for the project highlights the significance of the GLTP to the region's energy infrastructure. Their letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serves as a call to expedite the permitting process and ensure that the project moves forward in a timely manner.

The debate surrounding the GLTP reflects the ongoing tensions between economic development and environmental conservation. As decisions are made regarding the project, it is crucial to strike a balance that considers both the need for energy infrastructure and the protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The letter from Rep. John James and Chairman David Rouzer is an important step in addressing the concerns surrounding the permitting process for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. It brings attention to the need for a fair and impartial review process that adheres to the mandated timelines. The outcome of this letter and the subsequent actions taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will have significant implications for the future of the GLTP and the energy infrastructure of the region.

Click this link to access more information: https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-john-james-leads-letter-line-5-us-army-corps-engineers