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Enbridge runs a tangled network of oil and gas pipelines across Canada and the central US including the 6B in Michigan that resulted in one of the largest inland oil spills in US history.

When Enbridge proposed another tarsands pipeline, Line 3, across Minnesota seven years ago, it faced vehement opposition from tribal nations, landowners, and community and climate groups. Despite this opposition and Enbridge’s shoddy safety record, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz approved the pipeline’s construction in November 2020.

Similar in size to the recently cancelled Keystone XL, Line 3 would extend the lifespan of the disastrous Alberta Tarsands for up to 20 years. Its carbon footprint would exceed the entire current output of Minnesota. The pipeline violates Ojibwe treaties and threatens 200 bodies of water, including the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.

Native organizers in Minnesota are leading on-the-ground resistance to urge President Biden to revoke permits and halt construction, provide legal support to water protectors, and communicate the threat posed by Line 3. Rachel’s Network provided a grant through the Equation Campaign to support the coalition.

One of the Equation Campaign grantees, Giniw Collective, is led by 2019 Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award Recipient Tara Houska. They are taking direct action, including tree sits, blockades of Enbridge pipe yards, and mass arrests:

“The governor’s approval of this pipeline, which is a threat to both tribal sovereignty and the climate, was unconscionable,” said Rachel’s Network President Fern Shepard. “This is the latest in a long line of projects that sacrifices Indigenous lands and livelihoods for fossil fuel industry profits. We join the communities most impacted by this project in calling to shut it down.”

The Equation Campaign and Movement Voter Project are providing funding to Giniw Collective along with Honor the Earth, MN350, Center for Protest Law and Litigation, Sierra Club North Star Chapter, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, LAND BACK Project at Fond du Lac/ Camp Miigizi, EarthRights International, The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Indigenous Environmental Network, and the RISE Coalition.

To learn more, visit stopline3.org.


Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit organization named in Rachel Carson’s honor, promotes women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. The Network builds productive alliances among members and offers services that empower them to lead.

The Equation Campaign is a ten-year funding initiative working to bring about a safe and just future by enhancing the power of movements to keep oil and gas in the ground.

Photo: Giniw Collective

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