Labor Day's importance

Workers key to America’s growth, energy

August 31, 2022

Labor Day culminates a three-month run in which 818 hot dogs are eaten in the United States every second and is among the most traveled times of the year.

Since its inception 140 years ago, it has become synonymous as the unofficial last day of summer in which millions across the U.S. will strive to squeeze in long-weekend fun with road trips, picnics, cookouts, festivals, and parades.

For the approximately 164 million people – including more than four million in Michigan – who comprise the U.S. Labor Force, though, Labor Day also celebrates the working class and honors their contributions to the Country’s growth.

Critical to that growth is the network of pipelines that provides the energy to power homes and businesses, provide heat, fuel transportation, and spur manufacturing of thousands of products used every day.

“Whether driving the heavy equipment necessary to build pipelines, laying and welding the pipe or driving the trucks that bring the supplies, American Labor is essential to the energy infrastructure on which we rely,” said Paul Meneghini, manager of community engagement for Enbridge, North America’s largest pipeline operator.

“As we celebrate Labor Day Sept. 5, we extend appreciation to Michigan Labor, which will be critical to constructing the Great Lakes Tunnel Project in the Straits of Mackinac.”

Building the Great Lakes Tunnel

Placed deep below the lakebed of the Straits, the concrete tunnel will encase a replacement section of Enbridge Line 5. It will remove the pipeline itself from the water, eliminating the chance of an anchor strike to it and reducing the chance of a release to near zero.

“We are eager to receive permits and approvals to build this important energy infrastructure project,” said Meneghini.

“Let’s work together, support the project and get the tunnel built!”

Enbridge anticipates the Great Lakes Tunnel project will be the largest infrastructure project in northern Michigan and is awaiting final permits to begin construction.

As part of the permitting process, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hosting in September public meetings on the project. Through the meetings, the USACE is seeking comments regarding the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement it is preparing for Enbridge’s permit application to construct the Great Lakes Tunnel.

For additional information about the meetings, visit: https://www.line5tunneleis.com/.