The Line 5 Pipeline threatens Tribal land, Treaty Rights in the ceded territory, the Great Lakes, and the climate. The pipeline, which is long past its lifespan, is currently pumping tar sands oil under expired permits. Despite the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s request that Enbridge remove Line 5 and not put a pipeline in the Bad River watershed, Enbridge has moved forward with their reroute just south of the reservation. This expansion is within the watershed, and the risk to the treasured ecosystem remains.
If a rupture were to occur on the current or proposed Line 5, it could be devastating. All of the waterways in the area flow into Lake Superior and are critical for the water-rich area, especially with the importance of the wild rice in the area. The local economy, which relies on tourism, would also be impacted by a spill.
Additionally, as clearly articulated in Governor Evers’ Task Force on Climate Change report, we need to be moving away from fossil fuel infrastructure, not investing in new infrastructure. Please work to ensure that the Line 5 pipeline is decommissioned and removed, not expanded.
Ganawendan Nibi : Protect Water 