The Bad River Tribe continues its fight to remove Line 5 pipeline from their land

A long-standing legal dispute between the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Enbridge over the Line 5 oil pipeline threatens the tribe's wetlands and water supply.

Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• The 71-year-old Line 5 oil pipeline crosses the Bad River Band's reservation, and the tribe is fighting in court to have it removed.
• Enbridge has proposed rerouting the pipeline to avoid the reservation, but the tribe remains concerned about environmental impacts from the new route.
• The tribe fears an oil spill could devastate critical wetlands and wild rice beds, vital to their food and culture.

Key quote:

“I think it is remarkable that you could have a pipeline with easements that expired more than a decade ago, that a landowner has sued to have removed and that a federal court has determined is in trespass, yet is allowed to remain in operation.”

— Phil McKenna, reporter.

Why this matters:

An oil spill from Line 5 could severely damage the fragile wetlands and ecosystem that the tribe depends on for sustenance and cultural traditions. The court's decision will shape the future of these vital resources.