Photo Credit: Ron Turney, Indigenous Environmental Network
It’s been a big two weeks in the fight for our climate, water and treaties as we continue to fight Line 3.
On the Frontlines: In the largest direct action against Line 3 to date, more than 2,000 people from all over the country stood together in northern Minnesota on June 7 to block construction of the pipeline and call on federal officials to revoke Enbridge’s permits to build Line 3. In one action at a pump station, construction activity was halted for least 30 hours while people blocked roads and locked themselves to machinery. The police and state patrol were out in riot gear, and over 150 people were arrested. Simultaneously, on the banks of the Mississippi River headwaters, where Enbridge plans to cross the Mississippi, water protectors held space and ceremony all in sweltering heat. This became known as Firelight Camp and together Indigenous and non-Indigenous water protectors held space in the pathway of construction for 8 days. Read NY Times coverage.
In the Courts: Then, on Monday, June 14, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled for Enbridge in a split 2-1 decision to uphold the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) approval of their permit. The Sierra Club joined three Minnesota Tribes, the Dept of Commerce, and other advocacy groups in this effort.
Tar sands oil is the dirtiest and most climate-polluting fuel source on the planet. Judge Peter Reyes issued a dissenting opinion, noting that the PUC “committed legal errors and acted arbitrarily or capriciously by granting [Enbridge] a certificate of need that is unsupported by substantial evidence.”
The movement to Stop Line 3 is not slowing down, the resistance on the frontlines continues to grow, we hope you will continue to join us.
Here are some things you can do now to be a part of this movement for our water, climate, and communities:
1. Call President Biden’s Army Corps of Engineers and demand that revoke Line 3’s permits.
- CALL 202-750-2411 to tell President Biden's U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to #StopLine3 now.
- Share with your friends on social media.
2. Follow the frontline resistance on social media.
This will give you the best opportunity to learn in real time where to go if you want to show up in person.
Twitter Accounts to follow:
Facebook Pages to follow:
Pipelines can be stopped. We don't have to accept climate damage and treaty violations. This decision is not set -- both the PUC's permit decision and the Court of appeal's decision were split. Governor Walz could honor his climate and treaty commitments and stop this pipeline. President Biden has revoked the Keystone XL permit and can do the same here.
Together we will keep standing for our climate, water and treaties.
Artwork: Julia Kloehn