The Trump administration is facing accusations of political favoritism as it moves to fast-track a controversial oil pipeline project in Michigan, benefiting a contractor who has donated millions to Trump and other Republican politicians.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The Line 5 pipeline, owned by Canadian oil giant Enbridge, is set for a $1.5 billion replacement that includes a tunnel beneath the Great Lakes, raising environmental concerns.
- The project’s contractor, Barnard Construction, is led by a major Trump donor who previously secured over $1 billion in border wall contracts under the former administration.
- Critics argue the contract reflects a "pay-to-play" system, as the administration bypasses environmental reviews to speed up fossil fuel projects.
Key quote:
“These are donors who got the contract to build the border wall and it seems like there also is an ulterior motive here – a conflict of interest.”
— Levi Teitel, Progress Michigan spokesperson
Why this matters:
The Great Lakes, which contain 90% of the nation’s fresh water, serve as a crucial resource for millions of Americans and a delicate ecological system. Any oil spill in this region would pose a significant threat to drinking water, fisheries, and local economies. At the center of the debate is an aging oil pipeline that has already drawn scrutiny for its structural integrity. The concern is that rushing the project — potentially bypassing key regulatory steps — could set a precedent for weakening environmental protections in favor of infrastructure expansion.
Beyond the environmental risks, the project’s political entanglements have sparked broader concerns about government transparency. Some critics worry that deep-pocketed energy interests and political donors may have played a role in fast-tracking approvals, potentially influencing decisions that could have lasting consequences for public lands and water resources.
Read more: From the Sioux to the Sault: Standing Rock spirit spreads to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
