On Dec. 16, 2021 the DNR released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Ebridge's proposed relocation of its Line 5 petroleum pipeline in Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will accept written comments through Friday, March 4, 2022, and will hold a virtual hearing Wednesday, February 2, 2022. See details at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/EIA/Enbridge.html.

Granting permits to Enbridge for Line 5 is fiscally irresponsible. The risks to our economy and jobs, which rely so heavily on clean water, are too great. We will be left “holding the bag” for this stranded asset as global markets move away from fossil fuels. Enbridge recently shortened depreciated life of its pipelines from 30 to 20 years.

Speak your mind:

Send written comments to dnroeeacomments@wi.gov

or U.S. mail to “Line 5 EIS Comments, DNR (A/7),” 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707.

Watch Live: Members of the public who do not wish to provide testimony during the hearing but would like to observe can watch a live feed of the hearing on the DNR’s YouTube channel.

For further information regarding Line 5,

explore this website or https://retireline5.org.

In addition,

you are also invited to attend a webinar on the threat posed by Enbridge gas and oil pipelines to the Great Lakes Watershed.

Tools to help you prepare to testify

A group of partners is offering two webinars to present an overview of the dEIS, suggest talking points, and provide tips on commenting.

Thursday, Jan 20 at 7pm - local focus event: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002GNS8AAO&mapLinkHref=

Thursday, Jan 27 at 7pm - statewide audience event: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002GNSDAA4&mapLinkHref=

The first Webinar (Jan. 20) is focused on the local audience. A panel, including a diverse segment of the community, reflecting the perspectives of landowners, anglers, farmers/food producers, and the Indigenous population, will present information helpful for the local population in developing their comments.

The second Webinar (Jan. 27) will have a similar focus, but will be geared for a state-wide audience.

Please consider participating in these webinars.

The LWV/ABC has a resolution opposing Enbridge Line 5 (https://www.lwvabcwi.org/latest-news/category/Resolution)

The LWVWI submitted written testimony during the DNR public scoping process (see attachment). LWVWI comments to date rely on our established positions. https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/position/water-quality https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/position/great-lakes-ecosystem https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/position/energy

The LWV’s advocacy is based on study, reaching consensus, and the positions that result. You as members and friends are urged to comment as private and informed citizens. Our local chapter (LWV-ABC) is working with LWVWI on comments representing Leaguers locally and statewide.

Thank you,
Sue Niemi, President, League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties