As Wisconsin moves forward with the Department of Natural Resources permit for Line 5, on behalf of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, we urge decision-makers to prioritize the long-term health of all over short-term economic gains. Line 5, which carries crude oil and natural gas liquids to Canada through sensitive ecosystems like the Bad River watershed, poses an ongoing risk to our lakes, rivers and local wildlife.
Continued spills along the pipeline’s route through Wisconsin are a real threat. According to sierraclub.org, Line 5 has spilled 33 times and at least 1.1 million gallons since 1968. Most recently, according to the accident report released Dec. 11, a valve failure caused a spill that also dumped some 69,000 gallons of oil into the ground.The environmental toll of such incidents devastates our waterways, wildlife and local economies. We are hopeful that the DNR applies rigorous regulatory oversight and environmental assessments to include enhanced safety measures, environmental impact assessments and infrastructure updates.
Let’s pay attention to Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates, who filed a challenge to the decision saying the permits fail to protect the state’s critical water resources, and to the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who also filed a challenge to the permits.
Let’s make the bold choice to protect Wisconsin’s natural beauty. We have the chance to set a positive example for the rest of the country by embracing renewable energy and holding corporations accountable for the long-term health of all.
Sisters Georgia Christensen, Paulynn Instenes, Laura Nettles.
As printed in the La Crosse Tribune, Dec. 18, 2024.