7/17 at 10:30am. MN Public Utilities decision on approving more tar stands going through Minnesota.

[annm4peace]

The Public Utilities Commission's decision to approve an additional 120,000 bpd of tar sands through Minnesota is this Wednesday, July 17th.

Join us to pack to PUC and send the message that the gain of more tar sands is NOT worth the risk to the health of our communities, land, water, air, and future.
Gathering at 10:30am to start a group procession into the office, with a post-decision rally at noon.
LIKE & SHARE to stand in solidarity with all life in Minnesota and beyond!
RSVP here and spread the word: https://www.facebook.com/events/480892855327744/

** just think.. the pipeline does across many water ways including the Mississippi that goes down to the Gulf of Mexico where this is already a huge dead zone.

** the end of the pipeline is at Superior, WI where it will be put on barges on Lake Michigan.

Northern MN and Northern WI depend on tourism.. how many people will be going there if the rivers and lakes are poisoned and there is no more fish?

[annm4peace]

1. some more info

The decision to approve phase 1 to upgrade the capacity of the “Alberta Clipper (line 67)” tar sands pipeline from 450,000 barrels per day to 570,000 barrels is now on the agenda. The meeting starts at 9:30am, however the Enbridge item is LAST on the agenda.

We are preparing to pack the PUC during that item, which may be addressed anywhere from 10:30-2:00. There is also the possibility that it will be postponed to another meeting if they run out of time. But nonetheless, this is a great opportunity to stand up against the expansion of tar sands oil development, and prove that Minnesotans can say NO to dirty fuel.

MN350 is planning a press conference at 2:00 in downtown St. Paul, hopefully after a decision has been made. Stay tuned for more details!

More information about Minnesota’s Tar Sands fight:
http://www.mn350.org/alberta-clipper-minnesotas-tar-sands-development-fight/

Please fill out this form if you would like to receive notice about the specific times and day-of updates:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k20FHgXvrpB53z203Fs3NP_tdNu3No7J5BTpcCTm5IU/viewform

[annm4peace]

2. More info

Many of us are familiar with the Keystone XL project that has illuminated the existence and impacts of the tar sands development in Alberta, Canada to folks in the U.S. and around the world. What some have known for a while is that we have our own tar sands pipeline running through northern Minnesota call the Alberta Clipper that was put into production in 2010 to carry tar sands crude oil to midwest refineries and beyond.

Enbridge Energy is working on a massive expansion of their pipeline system linking new and existing pipelines and increasing tanker and rail transport to reach the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. This oil will be sold to refiners on the international market. Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s website for more detailed information on Enbridge Energy’s pipeline expansion plans through the midwest.

In Minnesota, Enbridge Energy has submitted a Certificate of Need to the MN Public Utilities Commission that will increase the capacity of Pipeline 67 of the Alberta Clipper carrying tar sands oil across the northern parts of the state. There have been a series of public hearings in northern Minnesota about the plan as well as an ongoing effort by Tribal Members of the Red Lake Reservation to shut down the existing pipelines that run illegally through their land.

Some reasons why the PUC should reject Enbridge’s Request:

Increased capacity means pumping tar sands at higher pressure with increased risk of pipeline rupture and damage to land due to increased heat from greater pump pressure.
The National Transportation Safety Board has found Enbridge Energy L.P. and subsidiaries to be negligent in their safety inspection, detection and repair of their pipelines, with inadequate training of personnel and inadequate education of surrounding communities about detection of leaks and the necessary safety measures and emergency response procedures to ensure the safety of the community.
The Congressional Research Service report for Congress on Canadian Oil Sands: Life-Cycle Assessments of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, by Richard K. Lattanzo, on June 18, 2012, based on the review of published literature, which found that on average, Canadian oil sands crudes to be more greenhouse gas intensive (GHG), in terms of Well-to-Wheel GHG emissions, being on average, 14%-20% higher than for the weighted average of transportation fuels sold or distributed in the United States.
We were told by climate scientists that full development of tar sands oil will mean “Game Over” for the climate.
More information on the local happenings soon.

[limpyhobbler]

3. rec'd nt

[annm4peace]

4. some posts of updates on facebook

Hey guess what! Standing up against tar sands just got way easier thanks to the crew at MN350. Showing up will get you some awesome coffee from Peace Coffee Shop-Wonderland Park, "I am affected by tar sands" stickers, signs to wear, and e-z instructions for the meeting. Can't wait to see you there!

Hi, all, as we prepare for tomorrow, please remember to WEAR WHITE. We will have stickers and signs for folks to wear. If you have any questions tomorrow morning or are having a hard time finding us, call Kate, 651-402-8901. We challenge you to find one person to bring along with you! See you there.

Here's a great video to learn more about the local tar sands fight in Red Lake!

The PUC believes the public is uninformed, indifferent, or otherwise disengaged. We are VERY ENGAGED with this decision that affects Northern MN forests, waters, animals, indigenous and rural communities--and all of us. Please join us and *wear* your message

[GiaGiovanni]

5. Thanks for the reminder

I promise I'll keep better track of this.