Sierra Club Responds to Judges Decision to Uphold Line 5 Pipeline Reroute Permit in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Today, an administrative law judge upheld a key permit granted by the Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) allowing the Canadian oil giant Enbridge to build the Line 5 pipeline reroute through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s watershed in northern Wisconsin.

Enbridge plans to reroute a section of its Line 5 oil pipeline currently trespassing on the Band’s reservation before its court-ordered shutdown in June 2026. Sierra Club, partners, and the Bad River Band challenged the DNR’s permit in a contested case, arguing that the DNR violated state environmental laws when it granted the reroute permit. The reroute project will threaten more than 180 waterways and over 100 acres of wetlands that feed into Lake Superior, and will continue putting the Bad River Band’s water and well-being in jeopardy.

In response, Elizabeth Ward, Wisconsin Chapter Director, released the following statement:

“It has been an honor to work with our partners—including Tribal leaders, community advocates, and environmental groups—to prevent new construction on Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline. While we are disappointed in today’s decision, we remain committed to ensuring that Wisconsin’s wetlands and waterways are protected and Enbridge is never again allowed to show the kind of disregard for environmental regulations they did during Line 3 construction in Minnesota. Ultimately, this doesn’t change the fact that Line 5 must be shut down to protect the Great Lakes and our climate.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.