State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) today issued the following statement after the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) reissued a critical permit needed for the Line 5 tunnel project to move forward: 

“This is a major victory for Cheboygan County and the people across the state of Michigan. We need sources of energy that are both affordable and reliable, and EGLE’s decision to issue this permit will help guarantee that Michiganders will continue to have reliable access to the resources that they depend on. Families are struggling with affordability, and we have a responsibility to approve projects like the tunnel to prevent energy rates from rising.  

“Along with ensuring a dependable flow of energy throughout the state, the project will bring jobs to Northern Michigan. Communities like Cheboygan will have access to good-paying jobs that can support a family. The continued tax revenue from the line will keep our taxes lower while continuing access to critical government resources. The tunnel will create employment opportunities, attract investment, and provide lasting benefits for the region. The approval from EGLE is a crucial step toward making this a reality.”