MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — After the 1.3 million gallon spill from Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 in Saxon, Wisconsin, a sign-on letter to Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reveals a troubling truth about Enbridge’s documented pattern of noncompliance and secrecy. 

"This isn't a story about a freak accident; it's about a company that has been repeatedly caught failing to meet basic safety standards and shielding information from officials," said Beth Wallace, climate and energy director for the National Wildlife Federation. "The letter to Governor Evers illuminates a systemic failure that poses an immediate threat to public health, Tribal Sovereignty, and the environment." 

The DNR has publicly expressed being "immensely frustrated" with Enbridge. Groups are asking the governor to use the authority he already has to revoke permits for "substantial noncompliance." This puts a direct question to the governor: Will he take a stand against a foreign corporate giant, or will he allow a business-as-usual status quo to continue despite the clear danger? 

Enbridge, with federal support, is blocking state officials from the site. The letter demands that the state oversee independent monitoring and investigation rather than rely on data from the company that caused the disaster.