LANSING, MI — A coalition of opponents claim that the proposed Enbridge Line 5 tunnel could leave Michigan taxpayers responsible for billions in cleanup costs if disaster strikes.

In a new report , Line 5 opponents argue that the legal structure of a plan to house the replacement pipeline in a utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac shifts long-term liability from Enbridge to the state once construction is complete. Under a 2018 law, a state authority would own the tunnel and lease it back to Enbridge.

Enbridge sharply rejected the claims.

“Under the terms of our easement, the State of Michigan is fully indemnified from any costs associated with our operations,” spokesperson Ryan Duffy said in a statement.

Nonethless, advocacy groups say the documents governing the tunnel — alo

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