The Root Word: ForestEthics Blog

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for your strong opposition to Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker project. We’re having an impact. But we need to up the ante soon - you have until August 30 to let the review panel know why YOU oppose Enbridge's massive project.

Have you already submitted your comment? Thanks! Now, you must schedule a speaking time before September 30 to be eligible to speak.

Journalist Stephen Maher wrote, “that high-pitched squeal you heard this week was the sound of the federal Tories hitting the air brakes on the Kicking Horse Pass.”¹

This seismic shift started with a damning report from US regulators on Enbridge’s 2010 spill in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which made national news headlines. Enbridge knew about defects in their pipeline in 2005 yet did nothing to address them, then took over 17 hours to respond to the rupture once alarms were activated.²

In the mounting public pressure that ensued, BC Premier Christy Clark was forced off the sidelines of the debate saying, “If [Enbridge] thinks they’re going to operate like that in British Columbia – forget it.”³

Even Conservatives in Harper’s Cabinet have raised questions about the viability of the Enbridge proposal,4 and Harper himself is toning down his cheerleading for the project.⁵

Make no mistake: we still have a long way to go. Premier Clark isn’t saying “no” to Enbridge, she’s just asking for a bigger piece of the revenue pie. The Harper Government is still reserving the right to push the project through if the independent review panel rejects it. We haven’t won yet, but we’re witnessing proof that standing up makes a difference.

Thank you for standing strong. We hope that you will continue to support this campaign by making your voice heard.

Sincerely,

Nikki Skuce
Senior Energy Campaigner, ForestEthics Advocacy

P.S. If you haven’t submitted a letter of comment to the federal review panel, there is a short window left to do so – SPEAK UP NOW!

P.P.S. If friends are interested in learning more about the Enbridge proposal, risks and opposition, send them a link to our interactive map: http://EnbridgePipeDreams.org

1) Tories smart to stop slagging pipeline opponents: Government backtracks on criticism of B.C. premier’s ‘fair share’ concerns http://ow.ly/d09sb

2) Enbridge handled oil spill like ‘Keystone Cops’: safety board http://ow.ly/d09sS

3) B.C. Premier puts Enbridge on notice over pipeline safety http://ow.ly/d09tm

4) B.C. senior Tory James Moore slams Enbridge, casts doubt on pipeline plan http://ow.ly/d09uS

5) Stephen Harper tempers message on Northern Gateway pipeline http://ow.ly/d09vl