Great Lakes Tunnel Latest Target of Permitting Delays, Inconsistencies

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2023 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today released the following statement from API Vice President of Midstream Policy Robin Rorick expressing API’s disappointment that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has decided to further delay permitting on the Great Lakes Tunnel.

“The Great Lakes Tunnel is a much-needed project that will protect the Great Lakes for generations to come while ensuring Michiganders have an affordable, reliable energy supply,” Rorick said. “Michigan voters overwhelmingly support the project so it is unfortunate that yet another essential infrastructure project is caught in the bureaucratic red tape of the permitting process. Rather than a years-long and inconsistent permitting process, we need transparent, timely and consistent permitting to secure America’s energy future and safely develop critical infrastructure. This project, which has been waiting for permits since early 2020, is yet another example of why federal permitting reform is needed.”

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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