Anti-fossil fuel environmental activists have been attacking both existing and proposed pipeline projects throughout the country for years. No matter what the project is, we have seen these environmental extremists all take their plays from the same book: implementing the use of misinformation and scare tactics to try and drive public sentiment against pipeline companies.
Here in Wisconsin we have seen this same strategy employed by members of 80 Feet is Enough, an environmental activist group started in the Marshfield area, as they have publicly attacked Enbridge — a pipeline operator. A recent column by 80 Feet is Enough member Keith Merkel was filled with such fear tactics and false claims. And while the author claims not to oppose the use of oil, the organization’s own website states that a goal of their founding was concerns with “the environmental impact of more pipelines, more oil, more carbon.” This group, despite the misinformation in Mr. Merkel’s column, is simply trying to attack the use of fossil fuels to further their environmentalist goals.
While it may be convenient for radical groups like 80 Feet to fabricate such a story to line their own pockets financially, the fact is that absolutely nothing has changed with regard to the state’s vigorous regulatory process. The authority to condemn property was neither expanded nor increased in any way, despite what these activists want you to believe. In fact, according to the non-partisan Wisconsin Legislative Council Act 55 (the state budget) did NOT change any state permitting requirements specific to pipeline companies. The Council also stated that “Act 55 did NOT expand the eminent domain authority for such companies." To suggest that the integrity of the state’s rigorous permitting process has been changed or compromised in some fashion for pipelines is nothing short of baseless fear mongering by this activist group.
Step away from the heated 80 Feet is Enough rhetoric and you will find that pipelines are the safest and most efficient way to transport petroleum products. Enbridge has delivered more than 17 billion barrels of crude oil and liquids with a safety record of better than 99.999%, and as a company they have invested billions of dollars in technologies, tools and training to further improve pipeline safety and reliability.
So when you see media reports of well-funded environmental activists stirring up trouble elsewhere, know that they also exist right here in our backyards. Groups like 80 Feet is Enough, the Green Party and 350 Madison will continue to protest progress at every opportunity. Their goal is simply to shut down fossil fuel use and they are willing to put whatever misinformation they can out there to scare the public to help them accomplish their goals.
The fact remains that pipelines are critical to providing the energy we need to power our businesses, keep the lights on in our homes, put gas in our cars and manufacture so many of the products we all use in our daily lives.
Lucas Vebber is director of environmental and energy policy for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.