
photo: Tar Sands Blockade
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
photo: Tar Sands Blockade
Activists with Tar Sands Blockade are continuing their 8th day of direct action in an attempt to stop TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline, and are now watching as the company's clear-cutting machinery threatens their safety.
The group of 9 is in a tree platform, 80 feet above ground, to stop TransCanada from clear cutting an area near Winnsboro, Texas to make way for the pipeline.
The group reports this afternoon that a machine operator has swung a felled tree at the safety ropes, causing the platform to shake and risking their safety.
In a separate protest a few miles away also targeting tar sands, Alejandro de la Torre of Houston has locked his arm into a buried concrete capsule in the path of TransCanada tree cutting equipment.
"I'm willing to risk arrest today to stop this tar sands pipeline because I have the privilege to help protect the safety of those most affected. Keystone XL endangers the health and safety of everyone from the landowners and their families now threatened by cancer causing leaks, to the refinery communities in Houston that have to breathe the dirty air, as well as people of color around the world who are disproportionately affected by climate change," said de la Torre.
Last week, two activists chained themselves to TransCanada's machinery in an attempt to further thwart the tar sands work. When police officers arrived, Tar Sands Blockade says the officers used "torture tactics" against them including "sustained chokeholds, violent arm-twisting, pepper spray, and multiple uses of Tasers, all while blockaders were in handcuffs."
* * *
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Activists with Tar Sands Blockade are continuing their 8th day of direct action in an attempt to stop TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline, and are now watching as the company's clear-cutting machinery threatens their safety.
The group of 9 is in a tree platform, 80 feet above ground, to stop TransCanada from clear cutting an area near Winnsboro, Texas to make way for the pipeline.
The group reports this afternoon that a machine operator has swung a felled tree at the safety ropes, causing the platform to shake and risking their safety.
In a separate protest a few miles away also targeting tar sands, Alejandro de la Torre of Houston has locked his arm into a buried concrete capsule in the path of TransCanada tree cutting equipment.
"I'm willing to risk arrest today to stop this tar sands pipeline because I have the privilege to help protect the safety of those most affected. Keystone XL endangers the health and safety of everyone from the landowners and their families now threatened by cancer causing leaks, to the refinery communities in Houston that have to breathe the dirty air, as well as people of color around the world who are disproportionately affected by climate change," said de la Torre.
Last week, two activists chained themselves to TransCanada's machinery in an attempt to further thwart the tar sands work. When police officers arrived, Tar Sands Blockade says the officers used "torture tactics" against them including "sustained chokeholds, violent arm-twisting, pepper spray, and multiple uses of Tasers, all while blockaders were in handcuffs."
* * *
Activists with Tar Sands Blockade are continuing their 8th day of direct action in an attempt to stop TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline, and are now watching as the company's clear-cutting machinery threatens their safety.
The group of 9 is in a tree platform, 80 feet above ground, to stop TransCanada from clear cutting an area near Winnsboro, Texas to make way for the pipeline.
The group reports this afternoon that a machine operator has swung a felled tree at the safety ropes, causing the platform to shake and risking their safety.
In a separate protest a few miles away also targeting tar sands, Alejandro de la Torre of Houston has locked his arm into a buried concrete capsule in the path of TransCanada tree cutting equipment.
"I'm willing to risk arrest today to stop this tar sands pipeline because I have the privilege to help protect the safety of those most affected. Keystone XL endangers the health and safety of everyone from the landowners and their families now threatened by cancer causing leaks, to the refinery communities in Houston that have to breathe the dirty air, as well as people of color around the world who are disproportionately affected by climate change," said de la Torre.
Last week, two activists chained themselves to TransCanada's machinery in an attempt to further thwart the tar sands work. When police officers arrived, Tar Sands Blockade says the officers used "torture tactics" against them including "sustained chokeholds, violent arm-twisting, pepper spray, and multiple uses of Tasers, all while blockaders were in handcuffs."
* * *