September 21, 2026 – Daily Jefferson County Union
There have been some significant developments recently in the ongoing Enbridge Oil Company vs northern Wisconsin debacle. In just two years, Enbridge has been responsible for Wisconsin’s largest crude oil spill, numerous smaller spills and recently the state’s largest natural gas liquid spill.
If you saw the video, you know it looked apocalyptic with plumes of chemical-ridden smoke as residents were evacuated. The DNR expressed “deep concern” and instructed them to shut down until repairs were done and the site had been reviewed. However, after a two-day pause for a “safety inspection,” Enbridge commenced pipeline construction even before the DNR was allowed onto the site. Why was Enbridge working on a site that the DNR was not allowed to inspect?
On the day that Enbridge restarted construction, they caused yet another frac-out (accidental release of pressurized drilling fluid). Apparently Enbridge sees itself as above the law. If they couldn’t follow instructions for one day when they knew eyes were on them, how can we expect them to act responsibly at other times? Gov. Tony Evers & the DNR Secretary Karen Hyun are publicly questioning Enbridge’s methods so I hope they will carry this to its logical conclusion and shut down line 5.
Alternate pipelines are in place & ready to supply the local area.
Another recent development regarding pipeline 5 is that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared her intent to get Enbridge out of the Great Copyright (c) 2026 Jefferson County Daily Union, Edition 9/21/2026 Lakes by the time her current term of office is complete.
Maybe it’s finally time for Enbridge to take their millions in profit and go away.
If Enbridge won’t take Wisconsin’s regulations seriously, our state leaders need to enforce them. A state government should not have to beg an oil company to follow the rules.
Let’s contact the governor and let him know that we the people want our clean water protected. You can call Governor Evers at 608-266-1212 and email him at eversinfo@wisconsin.gov. Contact the DNR Secretary Karen Hyun at karen.hyun@wisconsin.gov. Urge them to stick up for nature and for our future.
Jean Brooks,
Fort Atkinson
