What you're saying makes sense to me. You mentioned the Governor of Michigan's stance, but let's not forget the company's perspective and the interests of the people directly affected. In this case, no one seems to be truly disinterested, and there is a lack of an institution that would have the task of deciding a case like this.
Have you had a chance to imagine what this type of institution might look like? For example, Quebec has the BAPE, the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement, which provides a report. It may not be a perfect body, but it's a form of consultation with all the people affected.
Is this a model to follow?