The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Michigan’s leading small business advocacy organization, requests that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) grant the permits necessary to begin construction and build the Great Lakes Tunnel. NFIB State Director Amanda Fisher recently submitted comments in support of Line 5 and permitting for the Great Lakes Tunnel.

Fisher wrote, “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.”

When asked if Line 5 should be closed down, over 72% of NFIB Michigan members said NO.

On Friday, EGLE will conclude a public comment period on the application by Enbridge for permits to move a portion of Line 5 out of the water in the Straits and into a state-of-the-art tunnel buried deep beneath the lakebed.

NFIB is a member of the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition, a nonpartisan group of labor unions, business advocacy and economic development groups, energy industry voices, and local residents. The coalition is submitting thousands of signatures from Michigan residents to EGLE in support of Great Lakes Tunnel permits.