"Michigan tribes withdraw involvement as fast-tracking looms by Army Corps"
"Six Michigan tribes have withdrawn from federal discussions over the controversial Enbridge Line 5 project after learning that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are fast-tracking approval for the massive oil tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.
The escalation of the project follows an executive order declaring a “national energy emergency” issued by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, his first day in office.
On March 21, the six tribes — the Bay Mills Indian Community, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi — sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Detroit stating their decision to withdraw from the agency’s creation of the environmental impact statement for the oil tunnel.
In the letter, tribal leaders noted that they had participated in the Corps’ review process and meetings under the National Environmental Policy Act as cooperating agencies providing their input and expertise. But they said they were told at a March 20 meeting with the Corps that the agency is likely to issue an emergency permit to fast-track the Straits of Mackinac project.
Tribal leaders called the action “unacceptable” in the letter."
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