On June 30th, 2026, the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin ruled that Enbridge Energy is trespassing on the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Wisconsin, affirming that the company must remove its Line 5 pipeline from Tribal lands. While the court gave Enbridge additional time to complete a reroute, it made clear the company cannot continue operating on Tribal land without the Band’s consent.
The ruling is a significant victory for Tribal sovereignty, reinforcing that Tribal Nations have the authority to govern their own lands and determine who can use them. The Bad River Band has opposed Line 5 for years, citing the risk of an oil spill that could damage the Bad River watershed, Lake Superior, wild rice beds, fisheries, and other culturally significant resources.
Built in 1953, Line 5 transports millions of gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids each day. Tribal leaders argue the aging pipeline threatens treaty-protected lands, clean water, wildlife, and traditional lifeways that Indigenous communities depend on. The court also ordered a lower court to recalculate damages owed to the Bad River Band while ensuring Enbridge completes the reroute as soon as possible.
Sources: Native News Online, Wisconsin Public Radio / MPR News, ICT (formerly Indian Country Today), Courthouse News Service.
