Overview
Line 5: A Risk to Water, Wildlife, and Indigenous Rights
The proposed reroute of the Line 5 oil pipeline is a dangerous step backward. It would lock in decades more of fossil fuel use, violate Tribal sovereignty, and cut through some of northern Wisconsin’s most sensitive natural areas.
Enbridge Inc.—a Canadian oil giant—is seeking permits from the Wisconsin DNR to reroute a 41-mile stretch of pipeline around the Bad River Reservation. But rerouting doesn’t remove the risk. It just moves it to another vulnerable region.
The pipeline would cross more than 100 acres of wetlands and dozens of waterways upstream of Copper Falls State Park and the Bad River watershed—a sacred region rich in wildlife, cultural heritage, and freshwater resources.
Read our comments on USACE’s draft Environmental Assessment and Public Interest Review. Clean Wisconsin has also submitted comprehensive comments throughout the permitting process—including:
–The DNR’s initial public notice and environmental review scope
–The draft Environmental Impact Statement
Videos
Stories That Matter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG8SXYjkpMY&list=PLmxxX42yNRoyPDjur1Yx0u2c7NbJTGj9N&index=10
Line 5 Contested Case Hearing Full Opening Statement
Clean Wisconsin attorney Evan Feinauer delivers the opening statement in our legal challenge against the Line 5 oil pipeline.
The Dangers of Line 5
A Leaking Legacy with No Place in Our Future
Originally built in 1953, Line 5 has leaked 29 times, spilling over 1 million gallons of oil into the environment. It carries nearly 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids every day across Wisconsin to Canadian refineries—most of it from the Alberta tar sands, among the dirtiest fuels on Earth.
For years, Line 5 has operated on expired easements through the Bad River Band’s land. The Tribe has filed a federal lawsuit to remove Enbridge from its reservation. Now, Enbridge wants to bypass the Tribe by building a new pipeline—but this still puts vital waters, wetlands, and communities in danger.
Clean Wisconsin stands with the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a broad coalition of environmental and tribal groups to oppose this risky, unnecessary project.
Take Action
Endangered Species Survey
Headed to northern Wisconsin? You can help document rare and sensitive species that could be harmed by the Line 5 tar sands oil pipeline. Follow the instructions on the protected species survey guide.
Download the GuideResources
Stay Informed With the Latest News & Insights
Follow updates, read expert commentary, and track legal action in the fight against Line 5.
Expert Insights
At the breaking point: The Line 5 contested case hearing
In northern Wisconsin, where the Bad River flows through the largest wild rice beds in the Great Lakes basin, a legal battle is looming. The outcome may decide the fate of a dangerous oil pipeline and the health of a fragile watershed.
Read MoreExpert Insights
Press Releases
Legal Fight over Line 5 Oil Pipeline Moves to Madison
A multi-week legal hearing challenging Wisconsin’s approval for the Line 5 oil pipeline will move to Madison this week.
See NewsLatest News
Podcasts
Latest on Line 5: The crude oil project that threatens northern WI
Enbridge is pushing to blast and trench its way across northern Wisconsin to build a reroute of Line 5. The latest on legal action to stop it.
Listen NowLatest Podcast
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Why is Line 5 so dangerous?
It’s a 70-year-old pipeline prone to leaks, crossing sensitive wetlands and waterways with outdated infrastructure.
Why oppose the reroute?
Moving the pipeline still threatens clean water, wildlife habitat, and violates the spirit of Tribal sovereignty. It doesn’t solve the problem—it just shifts the damage.
Who else is fighting Line 5?
Clean Wisconsin is working alongside the Bad River Band, Sierra Club, Earthjustice, Midwest Environmental Advocates, and many other partners to stop this project at every stage.
