Stand Up to the Tar Sands Challenge

Have you been following the tar sands news?

The two-week long Tar Sands Action sit-in at the White House is underway and there are opportunities for you to take part. (details are below.)

This past Saturday, this well-orchestrated direct action began, and so far dozens of people, including VNRC advisors Bill McKibben and Gus Speth have been arrested. The sit-in is expected to continue daily, through September 3.

The protesters are opposing the proposed Keystone XL and specifically asking President Obama to block the project.

The proposed 1,700-mile pipeline would stretch from Alberta's to Texas.

The tar sands effort is flawed for several reasons. First, the extraction and refining process is highly energy intensive and causes tremendous greenhouse gas emissions (as much as three times the amount emitted from conventional oil processing). Second, the development of tar sands destroys boreal forest, a critical carbon sink. Third, the transport of this fuel poses risks all along the pipeline (including possible transport through Vermont in an existing pipeline) to water resources, wildlife habitat, among other things. Watch a short and compelling video here.

The world’s climate is in big trouble. "If the tar sands are thrown into the mix, it is essentially game over," says leading climatologist Jim Hanson. Read more here.

Also, VNRC has signed a letter from Environmental Defense Canada to Canadian energy regulators on the tar sands issue expressing deep concern over the development of tar sands and potential new distribution pipelines, including one running through Vermont.

Here are two ways you can get involved:

1. Sign the Petition. The petition will be delivered to the White House September 3. Over 35 thousand people have signed – add your voice for a powerful message to President Obama to block the project.

2. Join the action in Washington DC! On August 28, you can catch a free bus to DC, sponsored by 350.org. The bus will leave Burlington (with a pick-up in Rutland) the morning of the 28th, and return home the evening of the August 31st. Please contact Ruby to reserve a seat.