A long-standing legal dispute between the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Enbridge over the Line 5 oil pipeline threatens the tribe's wetlands and water supply.
Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The 71-year-old Line 5 oil pipeline crosses the Bad River Band's reservation, and the tribe is fighting in court to have it removed.
- Enbridge has proposed rerouting the pipeline to avoid the reservation, but the tribe remains concerned about environmental impacts from the new route.
- The tribe fears an oil spill could devastate critical wetlands and wild rice beds, vital to their food and culture.
Key quote:
“I think it is remarkable that you could have a pipeline with easements that expired more than a decade ago, that a landowner has sued to have removed and that a federal court has determined is in trespass, yet is allowed to remain in operation.”
— Phil McKenna, reporter.
Why this matters:
An oil spill from Line 5 could severely damage the fragile wetlands and ecosystem that the tribe depends on for sustenance and cultural traditions. The court's decision will shape the future of these vital resources.
