FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2021
CONTACT: Elizabeth Ward, elizabeth.ward@sierraclub.org
Conservation Congress results show statewide opposition to Line 5 expansion
Madison, WI- The Conservation Congress Spring Hearing results were announced on Monday and demonstrate that across the state, Wisconsin residents oppose Enbridge’s plan to build a new segment of the Line 5 pipeline in Ashland and Iron counties.
Across the state, almost 60% of the participants opposed the Line 5 pipeline. The resolution was passed by residents in 51 of 72 counties. The Conservation Congress also surveyed those who recreate in the counties, in addition to the residents. Within that category, 68 of 72 counties supported the question. The question read:
“Do you support WCC [Wisconsin Conservation Congress] opposition to the construction of a new 42-mile segment of the Enbridge Line 5 crude oil pipeline in Ashland and Iron Counties to replace the existing portion of the Line 5 pipeline that bisects the Reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa?”
Additionally, 10 of the 15 of the counties where the resolutions were introduced called on the DNR to avoid all new fossil fuel infrastructure. The resolution read:
“Would you support that the Wisconsin Conservation Congress work with the Natural Resources Board and Department of Natural Resources to avoid all new fossil fuel infrastructure?”
The counties that passed the resolution were Ashland, Bayfield, Dane, Eau Claire, Iron, La Crosse, Menomonee, Milwaukee, Portage, and Racine.
"We know that Wisconsin citizens appreciate clean water and are moved to help to protect it for future generations," said Paul DeMain, Chair of Honor the Earth.
“Whether through the Conservation Congress or the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, time and time again, Wisconsinites have made it clear- we demand action on climate change and do not want more fossil fuel infrastructure, like the proposed Line 5 expansion or NTEC gas plant that will lock us into decades of carbon pollution,” said Elizabeth Ward, Director of Sierra Club Wisconsin.
“The results show that people across Wisconsin recognize the problems that Enbridge pipelines pose to our lands, water, and homes, and expect the DNR to protect us from them,” said Phyllis Hasbrouck of the Wisconsin Safe Energy (WiSE) Alliance.
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