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Pipelines & Pathological Love
by Angela Vogel

Dear White Progressives:

On this Veterans Day, let’s remember those who have laid down their lives for their communities, great warriors like Tatanka Yotanka (Sitting Bull). Let’s remember that there are Black and Brown Warriors today putting themselves in the line of fire to protect the water and land that we all need to survive. How should we honor them? The answer is quite simple: Join them, not just in thought or spirit, but in willingness to make material sacrifice.

Donald Trump is going to be our next president, and thousands of angry white liberals and the NGOs funded by them have taken to the streets. They’re marching, chanting, and waving signs. Do you know who cares about these marches? No one. At least no one with any power to change anything.

You’re probably going to be mad at me for saying that. I’ve been a part of more than my share of these kinds of demonstrations and have worked for the NGOs that uncritically choose these tactics, and I would have been mad at me once upon a time too. That’s ok. Get mad at me; I’m used to it. But while you’re getting mad at me, find some space for self-reflection.

Some have called for love and unity to win over Trump supporters. Knowing that two out of three white voters voted for him, there’s an exceptionally high chance that, whether you’re aware of it or not, you already love at least one, and probably more, of his supporters. And what has that accomplished?

Now look, I’m not dismissing the value of love and unity, but love and unity for who? While you were campaigning, marching, having drum circles for Bernie, and waving Love Trumps Hate signs, the Standing Rock Sioux have been risking their lives and building the historic unity you claim to want in their efforts to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. This movement is so much more than the #NoDAPL hashtag. Native Americans have been giving up their livelihoods and leaving their homes to charge fearlessly into what fossil fuel companies, and the law enforcement that protect them, have turned into a war zone. Knowing they will be tear gassed, arrested, and shot for their actions, they continue to hold space between the water and the oil for their prayers. Because of years of genocide and whitewashing, many Indigenous, Xicano/a, and Black People who are putting themselves in the line of fire in North Dakota and elsewhere know what we whites are only barely beginning to learn: We cannot trust this current oligarch system to save us. Maybe it is harder for us to see that because it is our people that built this system of oil and death.

So yes, let’s focus on love and unity, but what does that look like? If a gun is being pointed at someone you love, do you organize a march in a safe protest zone? No, you get between them and the shooter. If someone were about to poison a loved one, do you wave around a sign begging them not to? Or do you take down the poisoner even if it means you will face legal repercussions? If someone you love is dying do you wait until you have the chance to vote for someone that might kill them slower? Or do you drop everything to go help care for them?

As one friend pointed out, love can be a pathology. We often give unconditional love to people who abuse us while ignoring those who sacrifice for us. Let’s end the pathology of loving those who will poison us. Let’s end the pathology of loving those who commit genocide.

We must also remember that love is hard work. Love is sacrifice. Real love means risking our own comfort, our own economic security, even our freedom and our lives to protect what we love. If we aren’t willing to make those sacrifices for the Indigenous People in Standing Rock who are, as you read this, risking everything to protect the water we all need, then stop claiming that you want love and unity when you are simply asking that, like the pathological love of an abuser and their victim, you can take their love while giving nothing in return.

In other words, it’s time to stop marching and waving signs. It’s time to flat out put our lives and bodies on the line to halt this poisonous system in its tracks. It’s time to physically stop the pipelines, the ships, the construction, the monetary exchanges and anything that keeps fossil fuels flowing even if it means losing your job, spending time in jail, or being physically harmed. Otherwise, you better stop talking about love because you know nothing of it.

If you are travelling to Standing Rock, it is imperative that you read this Resource Packet before you go: http://www.standingrocksolidaritynetwork.org/resource-packet.html

Please pay special attention to this section before travelling:

Good reasons to go: • To commit civil disobedience blocking construction of the pipeline. • To do needed physical labor • To deliver supplies • To bring a necessary skill • To bring messages of support from your national or tribal group and share your traditional ceremony and culture • To support the presence of young people or elders • To provide media coverage and documentation   Not good enough reasons: • To experience indigenous culture and wisdom • Because it seems cool • Curiosity

There are also many ways that you can support the movement locally. Here is a power map that will help you identify local targets: http://tinyurl.com/NoDAPLPowerMap

November 19, 2016

WALK TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLE AND THE PLACES WE LIVE: STOP THE PIPELINE

NOVEMBER 19 ROBESON COUNTY PRAYER WALK
Sponsored by Eco-Robeson

1:30 PM; Meet at the Pembroke Town Park, 413 West Third Street in Pembroke across from UNC Pembroke. 2 mile walk. Rally and prayer circle at corner of Prospect Rd and Hwy 72 near the Methane Transfer Station. Snacks & water will be available. For more information contact Rev. Mac Legerton, 910-736-5573, mac_cca@bellsouth.net or Alisha Locklear 910-827-2528. lockleara@hotmail.com

NOVEMBER 19 CUMBERLAND COUNTY WALK
Sponsored by Cumberland County Caring Voices

9:30 AM: Meet in front of Cape Fear Regional Theater in Fayetteville. 1209 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28305. March 1 mile down Hay Street to Rally at Market House for rally and speak out. Ending about noon. Snacks & water will be available. For more information contact Denise Bruce, 910-726 5745 greenaction@sustainablesandhills.org Mary Walker, 910-584-4343 walkerm0185@yahoo.com

NOVEMBER 19 NASH COUNTY WALK
Sponsored by Nash Stop the Pipeline

10:00 AM: Meet at Ennis Recreation Park in Red Oak, on Hwy 43. (Take exit 141 east from I-95; go 3 miles turn right into Park at 1st stop light.). Walk is 9 miles and will end at Nash County Court House about 3 pm in Nashville, NC with rally and speak out. Shuttles available to return participants to Red Oak. Snacks & water will be available. For information contact Marvin Winstead, 252-478-5442 marwinstead@gmail.com

For more information about housing and the organizing contact: Connie Leeper of NC WARN connie@ncwarn.org 704-731-6762 Steven Norris earthsun2@gmail.com 828-777-7816

(Press Release, pictures, and videos from our friends who planned and carried out the action in Philly)

Today environmental activists, Indigenous youth, and other concerned citizens disrupted a Politico event sponsored the American Petroleum Institute, the leading American trade group of the fossil fuel industry. The event, “Energy and the Election at the DNC”, featured prominent Democratic lawmakers and energy advisors including, Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA), Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Ed Rendell, former PA Gov., Trevor Houser, Hillary For America Energy Policy Advisor, and Heather Zichal, former Obama climate official.

More than a dozen activists were forcibly removed from the event after openly criticizing the fossil fuel industry and entrenched political leaders. Additionally, activists dropped a 400-sq-foot banner from the building across the street, and picketed the entrance to the event as it began.

Activists expressed deep concern that API-sponsored energy events at the DNC are still acceptable platforms for Democrats to attend, despite the oil and gas industry’s long history of climate denial and “dirty energy money” campaign donations. Over the last decade API has directly donated nearly $150,000 to Democrats, and its member corporations have donated many millions more. Inside the Politico event, advocates demanded the Democratic Party follow through on its climate commitments and take immediate steps to keep fossil fuels in the ground instead of blindly catering to oil and gas industry executives.

"You're killing your constituents!" @Dbirdy just got kicked out of #POLITICOCaucus telling @hickforco #gettheffout pic.twitter.com/0VmmPcITic

— Adam Greenberg (@pragmactivist) July 27, 2016

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Frontline Indigenous youth who were present also expressed deep concern that many of the featured speakers have close ties with the fossil fuel industry that is polluting their air, water and threatening their way of life. Said Krystal Two Bulls of the Oglala Lakota/Northern Cheyenne, “The fossil fuel industry and the politicians who cater to it are responsible for devastating Indigenous communities across the country. For too long, our voices have been the target for silencing for the greed, consumption, and power of the colonial settler society. We’ve come to Philadelphia to be silent no more.”

Sheldon Tenorio of Kewa Pueblo added, “The fossil fuel industry isn’t accountable to communities like mine that are exploited for short term profit and left scarred forever. They can’t ignore our voices, even from fancy luncheon events in skyscrapers.”

“The story of the struggle of Colorado, particularly in my home, Weld County – the most fracked county in the nation – is that we have been trampled by the fossil fuel industry. There’s a chokehold on our state, but also a huge effort to take confront it and fight back. The people are ready and we are taking on the good fight. That’s why we’re here,” Mickey San Miguel said.

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QUOTES

“The story of the struggle of Colorado, particularly in my home, Weld County – the most fracked county in the nation – is that we have been used and trampled by the fossil fuel industry. There’s a chokehold on our state, but also a huge effort to take confront it and fight back. The people are ready and we are taking on the good fight. That’s why we’re here.”

– Mickey San Miguel, Weld County, CO resident impacted by fracking

“The fossil fuel industry and the politicians who cater to it are responsible for devastating Indigenous communities across the country and ravaging our public lands. For too long, our voices have been the target for silencing for the greed, consumption, and power of the colonial settler society. We’ve come to Philadelphia to be silent no more and demand the pillaging of our mother earth stop now.”

– Krystal Two Bulls of the Oglala Lakota/Northern Cheyenne

“How can you commit environmental genocide? Cultural genocide, corporations are

raping our mother. How would you feel if someone raped your mother? With the time that I have, with the ears that are tuned in, I’d like to ask you this: What will you celebrate — will you celebrate the continued genocide of our people, of the land, the natural resources, cultures, and our ways of life, or will you celebrate the gifts of our mother, our languages, our land and our clean water? What will you hand down to your children? What are you handing down to their children?”

– Sheldon Tenorio of the Kewa Pueblo

“It’s time for a culture of accountability. Democrats need to go beyond paying lip service to the climate threat while still supporting the policies that exacerbate it. Gov. Hickenlooper actually sued municipalities in Colorado for banning the extreme and environmentally racist practice of fracking.” He added, “fracking is a profound demonstration of oppression, slow violence and genocide. It has to stop and we will hold any politician and their energy advisors accountable for pushing a poisonous practice that is taking lives, breaking sovereign treaties and pillaging freshwater from those who need it the most. The debate is over, natural gas is not a source of clean energy, and when Democrats push fracking, they themselves are behaving like bonafide climate deniers.”

– Anthony Rogers-Wright, Policy Director at Environmental Action

“The science of fracking is very clear: between toxic chemicals used in extremely high quantities along with the chronic failure of fracked infrastructure, which leads to threats of contamination, it’s clear that fracking can’t be made safe. By polluting the Democratic party with their toxic dollars, the gas frackers are purchasing our energy policy and, thereby, sacrificing communities, and endangering the lives of innocent citizens while poisoning our air, water, food, and climate.”

– David Braun, co-founder of Americans Against Fracking,

“This event is no different than imagining the Democratic Party attending an event on Smoking and Children’s Health sponsored by Big Tobacco companies. Now we better understand why President Obama has leased more than ten million acres of public lands to oil and gas companies and never bothered to analyze the climate impacts. It’s obvious today that people are fed up and demanding our elected officials cut political and fundraising ties with an industry directly responsible for destroying communities and our children’s future.”

– Rebecca Sobel, Senior Campaigner at WildEarth Guardians

“In 2016, it is unacceptable for Democrats to be legitimizing a fossil fuel industry-sponsored energy event. Fossil fuels are the energy of the past – politicians must stop taking oil-drenched donations from the industry and must work to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Support for expansion of fracking and natural gas is completely at odds with the climate targets agreed to in Paris, and with a just transition to clean energy.”

– Collin Rees, Campaigner at Oil Change USA

“We cannot answer the climate crisis without ending the power of Big Oil money in our democracy. Polluter cash has no place at the Democratic National Convention.”

– Lukas Ross, spokesperson at Friends of the Earth Action

Media Advisory

Press Contact: Melinda Tuhus, 203-623-2186, melinda.tuhus2@gmail.com

Climate Justice Activists in DC to disrupt DNC with their bodies ahead of Democratic National Convention

Will Use Civil Disobedience to Confront DNC Chair and Call Out the Party’s Harmfully Weak Climate Positions

Where: Office of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Shultz (1114 Longworth H.O.B
Washington, DC 20515) and immediate vicinity

When: Thursday, July 21st, 2016
11:15am-11:30am: Gather at Spirit of Justice Park (corner of C Street SE and S
Capital Street SE)
11:30am-12:00pm: Visit Offices of Debbie Wasserman Shultz
12:00pm-2:00pm: Nonviolent Direct Action

A dozen or more activists with the climate justice network Beyond Extreme Energy will confront the DNC’s weak positions on climate change by using nonviolent direct action to disrupt business as usual in and around the offices of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Shultz in Washington, DC. The activists plan to lock themselves together in order to call out what they classify as climate denial and environmental racism in the party’s platform.

The activists are planning to risk arrest and will make four key demands. These demands are four items the party rejected from their platform– a ban on fracking, a rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an end to the use of eminent domain for private gain, and a halt to oil and gas drilling in the Gulf. Anyone who believes that fracking, the TPP, and the use of eminent domain for private gain are in line with strong climate policy, the group says, is promoting a new form of climate denial. Furthermore, the group says, by including language calling for an end to drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic, but not in the Gulf, the DNC shows it is willing to accept sacrifice zones and to perpetuate environmental racism. .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Resist AIM

PRESS CONTACT: Nancy Vann, 646-831-5811 resistaim@gmail.com

Montrose 9 Assert the “Necessity Defense” at Trial in Cortlandt, NY Nine community members arrested for blocking construction on Spectra Energy’s AIM pipeline expansion – known as the “Montrose 9″ – join the national debate over harms caused by fossil fuel infrastructure

Cortlandt, NY — The “Montrose 9” are nine community members arrested for disorderly conduct for allegedly blocking traffic near the access to a Spectra Energy construction yard used for the expansion of a high-pressure fracked-gas pipeline known as the AIM pipeline. Their trial, which resumed in Cortlandt, NY at 8:30 yesterday morning, has the potential to become a landmark case with national implications involving the “necessity defense.” Defense counsel Martin R. Stolar is a prominent social justice attorney who argues that the defendants’ actions were justified since they were undertaken to stop a greater harm and were carried out only after all other legal and regulatory options had been exhausted. At 3:00 PM yesterday afternoon, the court adjourned until July 15th at 1pm, when the other seven defendants are expected to testify regarding their reasons for taking direct action against the project.

While the necessity defense has been used in other types of cases, it is unusual in environmental litigation. One case occurred in May 2013 in Massachusetts when a small lobster boat managed to blockade a barge containing 40,000 tons of coal near the Brayton Point Power Plant. The charges of obstruction were dismissed and the presiding judge stated that the actions were morally justified. In a recent Seattle case, the “Delta 5” were found guilty of trespass for blocking an oil train but not guilty of obstruction. Jurors in that case cited sympathy for the activists and feeling of gratitude for their personal sacrifice for the good of all.

In questioning the prosecution’s police witnesses, Mr. Stolar also suggested a more traditional reason to dismiss the charges. He established that the defendants were not, in fact, causing the traffic jam on Route 9A as was charged. Rather, the Spectra workers caused the tie up when they obstructed the roadway with their cars. Police testified that once they began directing the workers to move, the congestion began to clear up even before the arrests took place. When asked how he determined that the cars belonged to pipeline workers, one officer replied that “there were a lot of out of state license plates.”

The greater harm to be prevented: Defense witnesses, Cortlandt Councilman Seth Freach and two nuclear experts, testified to the dangers posed by the AIM pipeline. Councilman Freach discussed his own, and the Town Board’s, concerns about public health and safety and described letters that were sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other regulatory agencies expressing those concerns. Among the materials Cortlandt submitted to FERC was a report from an independent study that the Town had commissioned. Councilman Freach

noted that, based on the Board’s thorough evaluation of the project, members had voted unanimously in opposition to the pipeline. Paul Blanch, an engineer with over 50 years of nuclear experience, stated that there were “very significant unaccounted for risks” with the AIM pipeline and “an unacceptable probability” of a serious or catastrophic accident due to the pipeline’s close proximity to the Indian Point nuclear power plant. He also provided details of his efforts opposing the pipeline at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Physicist Paul Moskowitz described the radioactive materials, including lead 210 and polonium 210, that result from decay of the radon in fracked gas. He went on to discuss regulatory filings he’d submitted detailing his concerns about radioactive emissions from the AIM pipeline and their impacts on human health. He testified that FERC’s response to his concerns were “a total fabrication” that “ignored over 50 years of established science.” When asked about what process would be used to deal with these dangerous substances, he responded that since FERC denies the existence of those known radioactive materials in pipelines there is no process in place for dealing with them.

Two defendants explain their actions: Only two of the Montrose 9 defendants were able to testify before court concluded for the day. Both told their own individual stories of why they had stepped up to protest in such a compelling way. Although members of the community have been working through regulatory channels, their efforts have been met with delays and legal maneuvers, leaving them no recourse but to pursue more direct actions. Linda Snider testified that since all of the regulatory agencies had ignored the issues, she felt she needed to stop AIM construction herself. She stated, “I wanted to stop the Spectra trucks and stop them from putting in this pipeline. We’ve just got to stop this.”

Defendant Susan Rutman, a landscape photographer who lives next to the Hudson River, was the final witness for the day. She explained she had sought to stop the work through writing to officials. “My intention was to stop the pipeline, because I knew it would prevent a far greater harm.” she said.

Find out more information about the AIM Pipeline and ongoing resistance here:

Online: http://www.resistaim.wordpress.com
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/resistaim
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/ResistAIM

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Questioning Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Air Policy Director  N. Jonathan Peress  in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing last Tuesday, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming had a few choice words about Beyond Extreme Energy (BXE).

What did the senator find so “troubling?”

Recently, Wyoming has been in the news regarding the negative health impacts of fracking on people in the state. In April, for example, scientists found dangerous levels of chemicals in the groundwater of Pavillion, a town in central Wyoming. The scientists reported that the town’s 230 residents were drinking water that contained levels of benzene 50 times above the allowable limit. The source of this contamination–fracking. Similarly, just last week, the Coming Clean coalition released a report showing how volatile organic compounds from fracking near Pavillion have been absorbed by residents.

But the harm from fracking to residents in his state wasn’t what drew Sen. Barrasso’s ire last Tuesday. Nor was it the questionable connections between the EDF air policy director he was questioning and NRG Energy. Recently, DeSmog Blog published an article revealing how contractors hired by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review a new Spectra fracked gas pipeline worked for Spectra on a related project, and therefore had a stake in its approval. This contractor was none other than NRG Energy, which, according to EDF’s website, was a former employer of current EDF Air Policy Director N. Jonathan Peress. More specifically, Peress was NRG’s  director of environmental services. Now, he represents EDF in environmental proceedings before FERC. Given the fossil fuel industry’s reliance on incestuous relationships with the government, the private sector, and in this case, the nonprofit sector as well, it’s no wonder that a former employee of NRG now represents an “environmental group” at proceedings before FERC . But Senator Barrasso wasn’t commenting on that either.

Instead, it was Beyond Extreme Energy’s efforts to end the deadly practices of the fracking industry that caused Sen. Barrasso alarm. More specifically, he was disturbed by the group’s willingness to hold the government accountable for its disregard of human life.

Over the last several months, Beyond Extreme Energy has sought to circumvent FERC’s purposeful intransigence to the needs, wants, and rights of the people. This has meant bringing their nonviolent campaign to the homes of the FERC commissioners. In February, for example, members of the group sent Valentine’s Day cards to the commissioners at their homes. Then, in May, the group held dinners and vigils on the sidewalks in front of the commissioners’ houses in Washington, DC.

When pressed by a reporter to respond to Sen. Barrasso’s concern about the safety of the FERC commissioners, and particularly the group’s responsibility in putting the commissioners’ addresses out into the world, BXE responded with the following statement:

“The addresses of the commissioners were easy to find using an online search, so by asking folks to send Valentine’s Day cards to their houses, we were not in fact exposing anything that wasn’t already out there.

“The greatest danger, however, lies in not using every nonviolent means available to stop the permitting, building, and use of fossil fuel infrastructure. Holding potlucks at the commissioners’ homes and sending them Valentine’s Day cards is not dangerous. Approving fracked-gas infrastructure is, however, and puts millions of lives on the line.

“If we lose the fight to stop FERC’s rubber-stamp machine, the physics of climate change will take devastating revenge. The FERC commissioners are responsible for the rubber-stamp machine, and their actions threaten our lives and livelihoods. It is perfectly acceptable, using purely nonviolent means, to defend ourselves. In fact, due to the extreme danger FERC puts us in, anything less than strong, bold, nonviolent action is immoral.”

Just days after Sen. Barrasso made his statement about BXE, the group held another event outside the Washington, DC, home of FERC Chairman Norman Bay. BXE called it “Potlucks, Not Pipelines.”

According to the Facebook page where the event was advertised, the potluck was held “because he (Norman Bay) and the agency he stands at the helm of have ignored the deadly consequences of their corrupt, industry-driven practices for far too long.” It went on to explain the purpose of the event.

“FERC hurts communities across the United States by working for the oil and gas industries that fund them! They rubber stamp fracked gas infrastructure and put millions of lives (present and future) on the line due the horrific consequences of climate pollution. In response to a growing public rebellion against their horrific practices, FERC commissioners have been dismissive. Perhaps their complicity in so much suffering and death has led to denial. We’re hosting a peaceful dinner to talk about this and other issues related to FERC. You’re invited, and so is Norman Bay.”

Pennsylvania organic farmer Maggie Henry talks about the potluck as others enjoy the food she prepared:

Armando Diello from the DC area, who contributed chips and hummus, explains his motivations for attending the potluck:

Greg Yost, a high school math teacher from North Carolina,  talks about FERC, Barrasso, and his need for answers:

You can also watch Steve Norris’s testimony here, and Don Weightman’s testimony here.

Last Thursday, ten members of Beyond Extreme Energy visited the Washington, DC, office of Sen. Barrasso to formally respond to his misguided statements. The group spoke to Sen. Barrasso’s Legislative Director, Bryn Stewart.

Here, Cathy Strickler of Harrisonburg, Virginia reads the letter she wrote to Sen. Barrasso on behalf of Beyond Extreme Energy:

Clarke Herbert, a member of Beyond Extreme Energy from Arlington, VA, told the legislative director why the group goes to the FERC commissioners’ homes.

Maggie Henry, the PA farmer, responds to Sen. Barrasso’s slanderous statements by telling Stewart how fracking has destroyed her life:

Charlie Strickler of Harrisonburg, VA, and Steve Norris of Asheville, NC, explain that BXE comes from a place of deep love:

Bryn Stewart was quite dismissive of the potential negative health harms of fracking and other forms of extreme energy on the people of his state.

Stewart responded to members of BXE, in part, by referencing a number of his friends who have lost jobs to a declining coal industry in Wyoming.

Several days after BXE’s visit to Barrasso’s office, an article appeared in the New York Times called “As Wind Power Lifts Wyoming’s Fortunes, Coal Miners Are Left in the Dust.” The article highlights the devastating effect of a declining industry on working class families in a rapidly changing energy environment.

The article quotes Jillian Balow, the Wyoming superintendent of public instruction. She was speaking before a crowd of hundreds at a public hearing held by the Interior Department to collect input on the current halt to new coal mining on public land. Reading the article, one could imagine the weight of this moment in history present in her voice.

“We have reached the point where the restrictions and regulations for the industry are past our ability to adapt. It has put thousands of hard-working people out of work and is devastating families. Give us a chance.”

This reality presents a challenge to groups like BXE that are seeking to transform the world into a better, more just place. Without working with labor to address challenges like this, the fossil fuel abolition movement will have to climb an even steeper hill.

In her letter to Sen. Barrasso on behalf of Beyond Extreme Energy, Cathy Strickler, equating the work of getting off fossil fuels to a form of surgery,  put it well:

“With Wyoming’s vast majority of jobs connected to fossil fuels, this surgery will not be easy but in good hands can be successful. Right now the fossil fuel lobby continues to break more climate bones. These fractures are difficult and take a very long time to heal. Complications from these fractures are painful and deadly for millions of people.”

Will Beyond Extreme Energy and the movement it’s a part of be able to catalyze this surgery with justice and love for all, including workers in the fossil fuel industry? To facilitate such a drastic shift, isn’t everyone needed, including the workers?

Time will tell, but it grows short. And to tragic consequence.

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Beyond Extreme Energy’s Letter to Senator Barrasso

Dear Senator Barrasso:

As a former member of the American Medical Association Council for Ethics and Judicial Affairs, we are sure that you hold ethics is high esteem.  We do, too; it is a strong value we share with you. Medical ethics would lead one to embrace the best possible health of all citizens which comes with a stable climate, not one that is destroyed by fossil fuels.

As an experienced orthopedic surgeon you are used to fixing that which is broken. Orthopedic surgery is difficult and can only be done by the most skilled, educated, and experienced people. Now we have an energy system that is broken and will require people to fix it that are also skilled, experienced and educated. With Wyoming’s vast majority of jobs connected to fossil fuels, this surgery will not be easy but in good hands can be successful. Right now the fossil fuel lobby continues to break more climate bones. These fractures are difficult and take a very long time to heal. Complications from these fractures are painful and deadly for millions of people.

We call on you to live up to your professional medical ethics and preserve life.

We call on you to understand that BXE is trying to heal the broken bones of our climate and our energy system.

Beyond extreme energy is a group of concerned people – engineers, college professors, nurses, teachers, a farmer, a dentist, and young educated professionals who care enough to be involved and believe that we, as individuals, can make change happen to help people much less fortunate than ourselves.

We call on you to support our efforts and to thoughtfully consider the consequences of your extremely important position in the United States Senate.

Sincerely,

Concerned members of Beyond Extreme Energy

Words from the field: 350 Plattsburgh in New York!

“Part of Beyond Extreme Energy’s #RUBBERSTAMPREBELLION – a local action targeting FERC and the Saranac Power Partners Liquid Petroleum Cogeneration Power Plant in Plattsburgh New York. To the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) We demand: No NEW Fossil Fuel Permits and 100% Prioritization of Renewable Energy i.e. wind, solar and other renewables and demand to end the fossil fuel regime. This is the #RubberStampRebellion!

Two separate actions on two separate days in Plattsburgh, New York. Banner drop at City Hall in downtown Plattsburgh and a photo opportunity and bike mass at the Saranac Power Partners power plant outside the city limits of Plattsburgh. This power plant is not only a presence within the community of Plattsburgh, but it also is a symbol of the expansion of natural gas infrastructure and markets into the Adirondacks of New York.

Therefore it is a symbol of infrastructure and markets citizens must end from growing. 350 Plattsburgh demands to #KEEPITINTHEGROUND and asks FERC to approve #NONEWPERMITS. This is part of the week of actions that are occurring across the United States.

The symbol also tells a story of the combination of dangerous fossil fuel infrastructure that reside across the continent from California to Maine. This power plant resides directly next to a rail line that carries Bakken Crude Oil to the Port of Albany in Albany, New York. Two hours from this location was an explosion from a Bakken Crude Oil train in Lac Megantic, Quebec that echoes a foreboding warning that if we do not stop burning fossil fuels and approving pipelines/fossil fuel infrastructure, our communities are in danger in the context of not only one fossil fuel, but from entertaining risk of a multiple triggered event. The rails skid close to a fracked gas power plant whose explosive power could multiply a catastrophe, a triggered explosive event of fossil fuel proportions, where two separate fuel sources could set off a crisis with their combined explosive force.

If a derailment of Bakken Crude Oil were to derail into this power plant, nestled in a poor but quiet neighborhood, directly next to power lines, the New York State Thruway (interstate), directly beside a wetland this could create a social, environmental and political crisis the Adirondack region never could have seen.

We do not want fossil fuels, the costs outweigh any benefit in our eyes. We want safe renewable sustainable energy that does not threaten our livelihoods, pollute our air and poison our children, families and planet. We joined together over these two days to say #FERC #NONEWFOSSILFUELPERMITS #YESRENEWABLES #ENDTHEFOSSILFUELREGIME.

Today we stand together.”

350 Plattsburgh