Robbie, Meo (17 months) and I at the anti-tar sand rally
Today, despite the eleven degrees below freezing temperature, over a thousand people gathered in Monument Square in Portland, Maine to rally against the potential of tar sand being pumped through a pipeline that goes from Montreal through Portland into Casco Bay.
Photo taken from the Portland Press Herald
Tar sand is an unrefined type of oil that is even more caustic to the environment than traditional crude oil. Not only does tar sand create a larger carbon footprint; the devastation it would create if it were to spill into the environment would be enormous. In fact, as environmental experts say, it would be "game over". This oil is thick and sticky, and unlike crude oil which can be somewhat skimmed off the surface of water, tar sand sinks and is impossible to clean. It would utterly destroy whatever ecosystem lay in its path. And the unfortunate truth is that if this tar sand was allowed to pass through the lengthy pipeline, there would inevitably be a spill. These pipes, even if they are built well and are maintained, are over 60 years old and will eventually leak. Pipes in Michigan that were only 40 years old leaked almost three years ago with with catastrophic effects. They are still trying to clean it up. Experts say that it is not a question of "if" the pipes will leak, but "when" the pipes will leak. Our already fragile ecosystem would not fast recover from a tar sand spill. Not to mention, the pipeline passes next to Sebago Lake (the lake we can see from our house less than a mile away), which provides 15% of the state with its drinking water. It also passes into the Casco Bay, which is an area highly valued for its lobster and fishing industries.
Map of the Pipeline taken from Wickipedia
The purpose of today's rally was to raise awareness and to call on officials and the State Department to require a
Presidential Permit application and full environmental review before the
company could start to send tar sands through the pipeline. It was fantastic to see so many New Englanders come together for the purpose of protecting our home, our planet and our future. It is wonderful to know so many people care! I really hope that we were able to draw enough awareness and attention to let officials no that tar sands in Maine is unacceptable.
Getting ready to march through Portland
Robbie, Mattimeo (17 months), my sister Samantha, and my friend Josh all went together to protest tar sands.
Josh, Sam, Robbie and sleeping Mattimeo
It was so very cold, and Robbie and I were worried about Meo getting frost bite so we kept popping in and out of the library to warm up before the march from Monument Square down to the Pier.
The time and temperature building said it was 21 degrees F (-6 deg C)
Warming up in the library
Mattimeo's first protest (17 months)
The energy was amazing and it was touching to be a part of that event. Meo was looking all around and taking everything in before he eventually fell asleep tucked in close to his Papa's chest. I pray that we were able to make a difference today for his sake and the sake of all of our children's future.
Josh, Robbie, Meo and I
Monument square
The pipeline serpent
Josh and Sam
Marching
Marching
Josh and Sam marching
Robbie and Meo marching
Marching
Marching
Here are some links to news articles posted about today's rally:
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