• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources signs off on rerouting permits
• Reroute ensures Line 5’s continued operation, respects tribal autonomy

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) commended the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for approving the permits necessary to reroute Enbridge’s Line 5, one of three critical steps toward maintaining affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for families, farmers, and small businesses across the Midwest.

“As families and small businesses continue to be hampered by high energy prices, we are pleased that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved the permits necessary to reroute Line 5,” CEA Midwest Executive Director Chris Ventura said. “We are now a step closer to ensuring that the propane, gas, and diesel supply across the Midwest remains affordable and secure for everyone, while respecting tribal autonomy and environmental concerns.”

Line 5 for decades has been a vital energy artery for the Midwest, supplying essential fuels like propane, gasoline, and diesel that power homes, businesses, and transportation. CEA has long highlighted the critical role it plays in preventing supply disruptions and maintaining stable energy prices.

Independent, third-party analyses commissioned by CEA demonstrate the severe consequences of a Line 5 closure. Without it, Midwestern families and businesses would face:

• $5.8 billion in additional annual transportation fuel costs, or $29.2 billion over five years, due to decreased production at regional refineries.
• Over 33,000 job losses.

“At a time when households are struggling with inflation and rising energy costs, actions like this demonstrate how smart energy policy can deliver real benefits for consumers,” Ventura said.

“We urge policymakers to continue supporting infrastructure projects like Line 5 that enhance energy reliability, affordability, and regional economic stability.”

For more information on CEA’s efforts to promote affordable, reliable energy, from Line 5 visit https://consumerenergyalliance.org/movingmichigan.

About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.