Clean water: there is no alternative
FSPA collaborates on efforts to stop Line 5
FSPA was represented at the June 4 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public hearing regarding a forthcoming environmental assessment of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline expansion. The hearing was held at Northwood Technical College in Ashland, Wisconsin. And on Wednesday, August 28, Sister Paulynn Instenes represented FSPA at a news conference hosted online by Earthjustice. More than 150,000 comments have been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The last day to submit comments is Friday, August 30.
The clear message during the news conference was this: Enbridge Energy is moving oil dangerously through northern Wisconsin every day illegally in trespass, violating the Bad River Band’s sovereignty. Enbridge is trying to expand that pipeline and operate it for years to come, putting at risk the water, fish, plants, animals, humans and so much more, with the threat of an oil spill.
Line 5 virtual press briefing
During the conference, Sister Paulynn shared, "At a hearing this June in Ashland, I, as a former science teacher, was one of ninety people who spoke out against the reroute. Only 45 people – half our number – spoke out in support of the Line 5 reroute project. Here’s what we as Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration told the US Army Corps of Engineers:
The pipeline’s impacts on our economy, natural resources, public health and its violations of Indigenous rights are unacceptable.
Residents of the Great Lakes should not be forced to assume such risks for a project that is economically unviable in the long-term and serves no clear public purpose.
We’re asking our state agencies to oppose Line 5 because of the decline in global oil demand, the rapid ongoing transition to renewable energy, and the urgency of the climate crisis.
Fossil fuels, especially oil, are known to pollute. Line 5 reinforces fossil fuels. More and more scientists are calling for CLEAN energy. We heard this call from the young people who showed up to the hearing in Ashland.
Our hope is that the ultimate decision makers for this project think long-term, not about us, but instead today’s children’s children. There is nothing more precious than our water and our future."
Follow the links below for media coverage following the news conference.
The Wisconsin Public Radio article provides information on how to submit a comment, click here to learn how. Last day to submit a comment is Friday, August 30.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Line 5 opponents submit 150,000 comments on Enbridge's reroute project near Lake Superior"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Along Wisconsin's northern shores, Line 5 continues to pit tribal culture against Big Oil"
Wisconsin Examiner: "Public testifies on Line 5 as comment period nears end"
Fox 21 Local News: "Wisconsin Residents Voicing Concerns on Line 5 Reroute Project"