Presented By: Graham Sustainability Institute
Water@Michigan September Coffee Talk
UM and the Line 5 Pipeline Controversy

Talk Description:
The Line 5 oil pipeline controversy has been a dominant environmental issue in Michigan for nearly 15 years. Yet the future of the pipeline remains unresolved with pending legal, political, and policy battles that have major impacts on water policy, Indigenous rights, energy policy, and states’ rights. UM has played a critical role in shaping this debate at multiple key moments. This panel will discuss the Line 5 controversy and the role of academia/UM in the debate over the future of water rights and energy infrastructure.
About the Speakers:
Beth Wallace, Director, Climate and Energy, National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Region
Dave Schwab, retired NOAA scientist and U-M Water Center researcher
Julie Halpert, U-M Lecturer & Independent Journalist
Mike Shriberg, U-M Water Center Director & Professor of Practice & Engagement at the School for Environment & Sustainability (SEAS)
About Water@Michigan Coffee Talks:
Coffee Talks provide a monthly opportunity for U-M faculty, staff, and students interested in water, and water-interested people in southeast Michigan to connect with colleagues, learn about pressing and/or emerging water-related issues, and meet new partners.
This academic year, we are excited to explore the intersection of water + energy and what this nexus means to U-M researchers, institutes, and external partners. Please fill out the linked form below to RSVP for the fall series. Upon registration, you will receive a calendar invite from Sarah Miller (milsar@umich.edu) with meeting-specific information.
Coffee Talks are in-person convenings designed to build connections as part of the U-M Water Center's mission and programs; we are not recording sessions at this time.
Please register for Coffee Talks here: https://graham.umich.edu/wateratmichigan/coffee-talks
The Line 5 oil pipeline controversy has been a dominant environmental issue in Michigan for nearly 15 years. Yet the future of the pipeline remains unresolved with pending legal, political, and policy battles that have major impacts on water policy, Indigenous rights, energy policy, and states’ rights. UM has played a critical role in shaping this debate at multiple key moments. This panel will discuss the Line 5 controversy and the role of academia/UM in the debate over the future of water rights and energy infrastructure.
About the Speakers:
Beth Wallace, Director, Climate and Energy, National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Region
Dave Schwab, retired NOAA scientist and U-M Water Center researcher
Julie Halpert, U-M Lecturer & Independent Journalist
Mike Shriberg, U-M Water Center Director & Professor of Practice & Engagement at the School for Environment & Sustainability (SEAS)
About Water@Michigan Coffee Talks:
Coffee Talks provide a monthly opportunity for U-M faculty, staff, and students interested in water, and water-interested people in southeast Michigan to connect with colleagues, learn about pressing and/or emerging water-related issues, and meet new partners.
This academic year, we are excited to explore the intersection of water + energy and what this nexus means to U-M researchers, institutes, and external partners. Please fill out the linked form below to RSVP for the fall series. Upon registration, you will receive a calendar invite from Sarah Miller (milsar@umich.edu) with meeting-specific information.
Coffee Talks are in-person convenings designed to build connections as part of the U-M Water Center's mission and programs; we are not recording sessions at this time.
Please register for Coffee Talks here: https://graham.umich.edu/wateratmichigan/coffee-talks