Saturday, June 27, 2020

Protect Lake Superior and Copper Falls State Park!

As people across the country protest in defense of Black lives, the Sierra Club recognizes the need to dismantle systemic racism in the United States and within our own organization. We must reckon with how white supremacy -- both past and present -- has shaped our institutions and do the critical anti-racism work necessary to repair the harm done. The environmental movement does not exist in a vacuum, and it is our responsibility to use our power to help abolish systemic racism, which is destroying lives, communities, and the planet.
Dear fellow Sierra Club member,

The Line 5 pipeline runs through northern Wisconsin, bisecting the reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. In 2017, the Band chose not to renew the pipeline’s easements, citing the increasing risk of an oil spill and the severe environmental pollution that would occur as a result. This has resulted in an ongoing legal battle.

With the knowledge that the company will likely lose this legal battle, Enbridge is seeking state approval of a new segment of the pipeline that skirts the edge of the Bad River Reservation, and any spill could still contaminate the watershed that feeds into the area’s many rivers. The health and prosperity of tribal members, the region’s wildlife and wetlands, and Lake Superior’s coastline are all at risk as long as Line 5 is allowed to continue its operation in the area.

RSVP to the Line 5 Hearing

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding a public hearing regarding a proposed new section of Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 crude oil pipeline. Our input is needed to make sure that the DNR doesn’t ignore some important harms that the pipeline could cause.

Who: You and other concerned community members
What: DNR hearing on the Line 5 pipeline
When: Wednesday, July 1, at 4:00 PM
Where: Your home! It's an online hearing!
RSVP: here (we'll follow-up with more information)

We can not allow the pipeline to put our special resources at risk.  These beloved and vital resources include the Kakagon Sloughs, a Wetland of International Importance.  They also include Copper Falls State Park, where the pipeline would cross the Bad River and Tyler Forks River just upstream of the iconic Brownstone Falls. The powerful waterfall would act as a chute during a spill, carrying the toxic oil downstream faster than any humans could muster a response.

We need your help to ensure that the DNR understands the pipeline’s possible impacts on the Bad River Band, northern Wisconsin, and the climate as a whole, and that they recognize how many Wisconsinites oppose this project. RSVP today.



Sierra Club John Muir Chapter

Thank you for everything you already do to protect the environment,
Elizabeth Ward
Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter 




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