Ashland Considers Resolution Against Enbridge Pipeline

The City Council of Ashland, Wisconsin is debating whether or not to pass a resolution offering their support to the efforts of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in having Enbridge remove one of its pipelines (Line 5) from the area.

A motion to that effect was introduced by Wahsayah Whitebird.  Whitebird is a Native American City Councilor, as well as being a member of the Communist Party.

His motion received opposition from some of the Council, who were able to have it tabled because they claimed it was “divisive”.  The City’s Attorney also raised questions about whether he considered Bad River to be a “sovereign nation”.  As a result the resolution has been sent to committee, where it will be revised before coming back to the Council as a whole for a vote.

Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline crosses the Bad River reservation.  Parts of the pipeline's easements have expired, and the Bad River Nation is refusing to renew them and instead is demanding that the pipeline be removed.  Enbridge so far has refused, and has offered tens of millions of dollars to Bad River, which has been rejected for fear that the pipeline threatens the Bad River watershed.

SocialistResurgence fully supports Bad River's efforts to assert control over their own land and future.  And likewise, we support Councilor’s Whitebird’s efforts to get the city of Ashland to support Bad River’s struggle, and oppose any attempt to defeat or water down the resolution.  We need to respect and defend the sovereignty of Native nations, oppose the polluting efforts of companies like Enbridge, and to fight for climate justice.  We urge our supporters and readers to turn out for future Council meetings to voice their support, and to contact the members of the Council.  Here is a link concerning when the meetings are, and how to send comments to each Councilor: https://www.coawi.org/233/City-Council

And below is the full text of the original resolution that was submitted to the Council by Whitebird:

RESOLUTION OF the City of Ashland SUPPORTING the efforts of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in removing Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline from the Bad River Watershed.

WHEREAS, The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is a Sovereign Nation, with jurisdiction over their land and legally protected treaty rights for hunting, gathering, and fishing on ceded territory,

AND WHEREAS, the Enbridge pipeline is trespassing on Bad River lands and is at risk of failure, especially on or near the Bad River and its tributaries.

AND WHEREAS, Enbridge pipelines have experienced numerous leaks and spills resulting in the discharge of oil, gas, and other pollutants in the surrounding air, land and water;

AND WHEREAS, a spill in the Bad River Watershed would damage natural and cultural resources critical for both the Bad River Tribe and the City of Ashland;

AND WHEREAS, the Bad River Band has requested the removal of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline from the Bad River Watershed;

AND WHEREAS, The City of Ashland and the Bad River Band share water resources threatened by an Enbridge Line 5 failure;

AND WHEREAS, The city of Ashland and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa have shared and interdependent economies that would bear the costs of a pipeline failure;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ashland city council supports the efforts of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in removing Enbridge line 5 from the Bad River Watershed.

>> The photo used in this article is from the Red Power Media website.