URGING PRESIDENT OBAMA TO REJECT THE TAR SANDS PIPELINE

Resolution 13-04.77

WHEREAS, (1) The proposed Keystone XL pipeline will cross South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas; as well as the Ogallala Aquifer and the Athabasca River, which supply nearly one-third of our nation’s irrigation ground water and drinking water for millions of people;  (2) 1,252 protesters supported by major environmental groups (NRDC, EDF, Sierra Club, NWF, Union of Concerned Scientists, 350.org, League of Conservation Voters) were arrested in front of the White House; and (3) nine Nobel Peace Laureates asked President Obama to “do the right thing for our environment” in rejecting this proposal; 

WHEREAS, (1) the system has already spilled 12 times, releasing 30,000 gallons of crude oil: (2) a major leak could pollute these waterways, causing high rates of cancer in local communities; (3) “the tar sands are the dirtiest source of fuel on the planet…