Anti XL Pipeline Bus Bench Sign
TransCanada proposes to construct a pipeline to transport crude oil from the tar sand mines in Canada to New Orleans. This pipeline would pass through the Sand Hills and Niobrara River Valley of Nebraska – over the Ogallala Aquifer -one of the world’s largest supplies of groundwater.
The Sierra Club and its Nebraska Chapter vehemently oppose the construction of this pipeline and are acting to defeat its construction. This page will provide links to resources on this topic and list upcoming actions by Sierra Club or its conservation allies. Please check here regularly for updates.
Windmills Not Oil Spills
UPCOMING ACTIONS:
WEBSITES/CONTACT PERSONS OF KEY ALLIES AGAINST XL PIPELINE:
Nebraska Sierra Club (sierranebraska.org) – Ken Winston 402-212-3737; kwinston@inebraska.com
Nebraskans for Peace (nebraskansforpeace.org) – Tim Rinne 402-475-4620; walterinne@neb.rr.com
Bold Nebraska (boldnebraska.org) Jane Kleeb 402-705-3622; jane@boldnebraska.org
Nebraska Wildlife Federation (nebraskawildlife.org) – Duane Hovorka 402-477-1008; NebraskaWildlife@windstream.net
Guardians of the Good Life (guardiansofthegoodlife.wordpress.com) – Candy Bless jynsweet@yahoo.com or Jane Wilson japlapoo@netzero.net
RECENT ACTIONS:
WHAT: meeting to discuss where we go from here in the fight against the tarsands, KXL and climate change.
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m.
LOCATION: the Deffenbachers’ house (5016 Parker St., in the Country Club area)
The organizers of the events in DC will host a live chat to get us going, and then we’ll brainstorm (and eat pizza from Whole Foods). Hope you can come and lend your input. The live chat starts at 6 p.m., so please come a little beforehand if you can.
Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested. And please RSVP at the link below. Thanks a bunch
http://events.tarsandsaction.org/strategy/events/show/322
Last week with our Pumpkins Against the Pipeline we told Governor Heineman that 91 leaks and 0 regulations is scary. Two days later, he announced that he’s calling a special session to debate pipeline siting and routing regulations. This is a big win for citizens and landowners, but our work is just beginning.
We need to ensure Governor Heineman and our state senators know that a special session MUST, at a minimum, reroute the pipeline out of the Sandhills and the heart of the Ogallala Aquifer. Anything less is unacceptable.
There are two important events to help make this happen:
1. Trick or Vote
October 31st
We know many of you, especially in the rural areas, know your state senators personally and where they live. Since everyone expects a knock on the door for Halloween, we’d like you to drop by your state senator’s house and instead of asking for candy, ask that they vote for a bill that reroutes the pipeline out of the Sandhills and Ogallala Aquifer. On Halloween, we will also go “Trick or Voting” to all the state senators’ offices in the State Capitol from noon-1pm. Meet us at the information desk by noon if you’d like to join us. If you go “Trick or Voting” to your state senator’s house, please take a picture and post on our Facebook wall.
2. Citizen Special Session
November 4th, Noon-4pm
Ever since Governor Heineman announced he was calling a special session, we’ve been flooded with questions. We want to answer all of them. You’re invited to join us at the State Capitol in the Warner Chamber to discuss how a special session works, what bills we need to see passed, and how we can make that happen. We will also be visiting state senators’ offices to talk with them about our expectations. Please RSVP so we know you’re coming. If you can’t be there in person, we’ll be livestreaming it on the web.
We have made it this far because of you. You have turned up the heat on our elected officials, and they’ve responded.
Just as the State Department meetings were a pivotal moment to make a change, so is this special session. This is our chance to revoke TransCanada’s free pass and make sure that they, and all oil pipelines that try to cross our state, are regulated fairly like natural gas pipelines.
As Yoda told Luke Skywalker, “Do or do not. There is no try.” We must deliver that same message to our elected officials. The old college try won’t do. They MUST reroute the Keystone XL out of the Sandhills and out of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Jane Kleeb
Executive Director
Bold Nebraska
P.S. Your state senator might try to tell you it’s too late or illegal to reroute the pipe. They are wrong. We have two legal memos that explain all the areas they can regulate and why it’s not too late.
91 Pumpkins Against 91 Leaks
By Jane Kleeb, Executive Director. Bold Nebraska
Ninety-one. That’s the number of leaks Dr. Stansbury predicted TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline would have over its first 50 years of operation.
Zero. That’s the number of laws Nebraska has regulating oil pipelines in our state.
Join us on October 22nd to let Governor Heineman know 91 leaks and no laws to protect our land and water is unacceptable.
We’re carving 91 jack-o-lanterns for the Governor on October 22nd, and we need your help.
Stop by our office in Lincoln anytime between noon and 6 p.m. to carve pumpkins. Then return at 7 p.m. for a march to the Capitol with our jack-o-lanterns, kids in costumes, and friends.
September 27, noon-3:30 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. – State Dept. Hearings on XL-Pipeline
Location: Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE
Folks, we hope to get a massive number of people at the State Dept. meetings. We need to let our federal decision-makers know that WE DON’T WANT A FILTHY PIPELINE THRU OUR SAND HILLS AND AQUIFER. We’re shooting for 500 but 1,000 would be even better! To that end, we want to coordinate carpools for those who would like to take advantage.
So please respond to this email if you are available to drive to Lincoln, what time you will be going, your general neighborhood and how many people you can take. If you are looking for a ride, please respond to this email with the same information. If you’ve already worked out carpools and have full vehicles — FANTASTIC! PLEASE don’t wait until the day before the meeting to try to get in a carpool, as the likelihood of an available slot in a car may be slim.
And if anyone is interested in carpooling to Atkinson for the meeting up there on Sept. 29, 4:30-10 p.m. at West Holt High School, 100 N. Main St., Atkinson, NE, please respond w/ the same info as above. It would be WONDERFUL to have a great show of support for our rural neighbors who will be directly affected by this pipeline.
We need to show everyone how much we care about our state and its future. THANK YOU!
Jane Wilson, pipeline activist
Saturday, Sept. 24, 9-11 a.m. - Rally in Old Market (across from Farmers Market)
Saturday, Sept. 17 – Rally at 72 & Dodge, Omaha
Hi all – we need to keep the pressure on and continue to build support and raise awareness since we’re getting down to the wire, so there will be a rally THIS Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at 72nd & Dodge.
Please park in the far southeast corner of the Target lot close to the big marquee board. I have a trunkful of signs, but if you have your own, please bring them! I’ll also have bumper stickers and handouts for anyone who wants them, as well as cards that have the State Dept. meeting dates.
Hope to see you Saturday. Thanks! Jane Wilson
Solidarity Rally for Keystone XL Pipeline Protesters in DC
Rally with us at 72 & Dodge in Omaha this Saturday, Sept. 3,
to show solidarity with Nebraskans who will be in DC for the final day of sit-ins at the White House. If you couldn’t make it to DC but want to let everyone sittin’ in at the White House know you’re with them in spirit and doing a parallel action 1,500 miles away, join us at 2 p.m. (and park in the far southeast corner of the Target parking lot). Bring your signs and your love for our state and let’s stand up for the Good Life!
Bands Against the Tar Sands Concert
Where: Pizza Shoppe Collective – 6056 Maple St.
When: Saturday – August 6 2:30-6:00 P.M.
Why: Nebraska’s long-term environmental & economic security are jeopardized by TransCanada’s Keystone XL Pipeline. Fight for your rights, future generations & the Ogallala Aquifer. Join us in celebration of the Good Life!
Hosted by Guardians of the Good Life
Band List????Prairie Gators
????Mallows of Marsh
????Jayme Fowler
Suggested $5 Donation
www.protectnebraska.org
www.standwithrandy.org
Monday, July 4, at high noon – Anti-Keystone XL Pipeline Rally
Location: 90th & Maple Street, Omaha
Please park in the bank parking lot on the southwest corner of the intersection.
Feel free to make a sign, like maybe:
*U.S. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE – STOP THE KEYSTONE XL
*CLEAN ENERGY NOW – STOP THE KEYSTONE XL!
*PROTECTING OUR LAND & WATER IS PATRIOTIC
*FOREIGN COMPANY + EMINENT DOMAIN = UN-AMERICAN, Or whatever else you can think up.
Saturday, June 25, at Noon – Hands Across the Sand – international day of action!!
Location: Standing Bear Lake/Dam Site 16 (between 132nd & 144th Sts. and north of Fort St.)
You’re invited! The 2nd Annual Hands Across the Sand is taking place in almost every state in the U.S. and in multiple foreign countries. We will join hands to form a “line in the sand” against offshore oil drilling and to show our solidarity for clean, renewable energy. You can bring a picnic lunch if you want, and there’s a trail around the lake if anyone wants to go for a hike before or after.
We will meet in the parking lot/rest area on the south side of the lake – I believe you turn north on 138th into the parking area. Please carpool if you can. Rain or shine – hope to see you there!
Wednesday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. – Guardians meeting
Location: First Unitarian Church, 31st & Harney.
The agenda will include the latest updates/news and upcoming events – including the BIG item on the agenda: the statewide arts festival to be held on Aug. 5th to celebrate our aquifer and sand hills and to give a thumbs-down to the KXL.
Please invite any artists, musicians, poets, etc., so we can brainstorm on what kind of great shindig we can do here in Omaha! Thanks, Jane
Thursday, May 12, noon – 2 p,m., Lincoln – Citizen Hearing on Keystone XL Pipeline
Gather comments to submit to Secretary Clinton and to urge the Unicameral, Governor Heineman & Attorney General Bruning to pass state-based oil pipeline regulations. This is a great opportunity weigh in on the three landowner protectionary bills that have stalled in the Natural Resources Committee. Visit www.boldnebraska.org for more info
Tuesday, May 3, 7pm-8:30pm – EDUCATION +ACTION FORUM
First Unitarian Church, 31st. & Harney, Omaha
Our state elected of.cials have a role in protecting our land and water from the risky
TransCanada pipeline. Join us for an education forum as well as an action training on what YOU can do to help stop the pipeline.
Saturday, April 16, at noon – Rally with Signs at 72nd & Dodge, Omaha
Tuesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. – Guardians of the Good Life meeting
Location: 1st Unitarian Church, 31st & Harney.
AGENDA
– Table at Earth Day
– Upcoming Keystone XL education/action forum (early May)
– Update on bus bench advertising
– Status of pipeline bills at the legislature/what we can do
– Possible screening of an Irish documentary called “The Pipe” – about a community pitted against each other over (one side wants jobs; the other wants to preserve their way of life — sound familiar?)
– Brainstorm ideas for more consciousness-raising among the populace
LOTS OF GOOD STUFF – HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT!!
Saturday, March 12 at Noon – pipeline informational rally72 & Dodge, Omaha
Sunday, March 13th., 6 p.m.- Guardians of the Good Life Meeting (Keystone XL-Pipeline)
WHERE: Panera Bread on Saddlecreek (just north of Dodge) Omaha.
Saturday, March 5, at noon – Rally Against Keystone XL Pipeline
Location: 72nd & Dodge (our bus bench may be up by then!).
The Zoo Bar Benefit is March 6, so maybe we could play that up (and National Groundwater Week) on a sign or two.
Sunday, March 6th, 2:30-500pm- Zoo Bar Benefit
Please come join us for a day of music and activism!
Zoo Bar – 136 North 14th street. Lincoln, NE.
Bands that will perform live:
The Toasted Ponies
John Walker and the Prairie Dogs
Chris Sayre and the Laddies
The Melody Wranglers
The Lightning Bugs
$5 donation requested. If you can give more money, it will be gratefully accepted.
Stop the XL Pipeline Action Kits, bumper stickers, buttons, and yard signs available to all.
Please see www.boldnebraska.org for more information on the Zoo Bar event in Lincoln.
Sunday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m. – Keystone XL Pipeline Meeting (Guardians of Goodlife/Sierra Club etc.)
Location: Panera Bread on Saddlecreek (N of Dodge), Omaha (NOTE TIME CHANGE).
Bring ideas for advertising slogans (preferably re: the threat to our water supply) & associated artwork and ideas for events.
Keystone XL Pipeline Demonstation
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19, noon – ?
WHERE: 90th & Maple
WHY: To enjoy a taste of spring, get some sun and be a human billboard! Ignorance is NOT bliss when it comes to the Keystone XL pipeline…
Saturday, Feb. 12, at noon – rally to show how much we LOVE Nebraska (and the Sand Hills, and our Aquifer, and the Platte, and the Niobrara…) because it’s almost Valentine’s Day
Location: 72nd & Dodge, Omaha.
Sunday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. – Guardians of the Good Life meeting.
Location: Panera on Saddlecreek, Omaha.
We’ll discuss the latest pipeline news (including the awesome showing at the public hearing Wednesday), upcoming events, ideas for more events, etc., etc.
Sunday, Jan. 16th, 6 p.m., – The Guardians of the Good Life meeting
First Unitarian Church on 31st & Harney, Omaha.
RALLY TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE
(Yes, there ARE folks who STILL don’t know about the pipeline, as evidenced by the questions I got and flyers I gave out at last week’s rally).
WHO: Anyone who cares about protecting our natural resources and advocating for renewable sources of energy
WHAT: See above
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 26, noon to 1 p.m. or so
WHERE: 72nd & Dodge (please park on the WEST side of Petco)
WHY: Because it’s fun, and it makes a difference
Saturday, Dec. 18th. – NEXT INFORMATIONAL RALLY ON THE KEYSTONE XL
90th & Maple, noon-1:00.
NOTICE #1: Rally to inform the public and protest the Keystone XL pipeline: Saturday, Dec. 4, Noon-1:30 or so at 72nd & Pacific.
December 19, Sunday night, at 6 p.m. – Keystone XL pipeline meeting
It’s BEEN MOVED to the Pizza Shoppe in Benson on Maple St. (on the north side). They are open till 9:00 and we can have pizza if we so desire. This way we can combine a bit of holiday cheer w/ pipeline fighting-strategies.
NOTICE #2: Guardians meeting – Sunday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. at Deirdre Evans’ house, 418 N. 38 St. Please come help us strategize and come up w/ creative ideas to get our message out there. A few people can’t do it, so we need your brainstorms, enthusiasm and commitment.
Sat., Nov. 27, 1:00-2:30 p.m – Rally Against Keystone XL Pipleline - 72nd & Pacific.
We’re continuing the rallies as long as the temperature doesn’t get below freezing), I’ll park in the southeast parking lot at the corner closest to the intersection. The streets should be full of cars since it’s a big sale weekend.
NOTICE #1: Rally to inform the public and protest the Keystone XL pipeline: Saturday, Nov. 20, 1:00-2:30 or so at 72nd & Dodge.
NOTICE #2: Guardians meeting
Sunday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. at Whole Foods in the table/chairs common area (past the cash registers and near the bathrooms). Please come help us strategize and come up w/ creative ideas to get our message out there. A few people can’t do it, so we need your brainstorms, enthusiasm and commitment.
I hope some of you activists are able to attend the Tarsands/XL pipeline Summit in Missoula, Montana, Nov. 19-22. It is a GREAT opportunity to meet others from all over North America who are fighting this thing and to work together to form a cohesive strategy. I’ve been to these types of things before and they work! Contact IEN (Indigenous Environmental Network) if you want to attend, but do it quickly! www.ienearth.org. Space is limited.
NOTICE #3 – Tuesday, at 11am, at the State Capitol (in the rotunda) – press conference.
We need as many people there as possible showing support. You can wear your organization’s t-shirt or we will have the “stop the pipeline” signs people can hold to stand behind the speakers. Paul Blackburn is coming in from South Dakota to release a new report on the CURRENT pipeline and the emergency response plan. Its a 60 page report which shows huge safety concerns. I will give an overview of why we are holding the presser (to set up work for State Leg and continued work to help stop the pipeline and using the “Thanksgiving” holiday as the theme of being thankful for our land and water and that we do not need to threaten those resources).
After everyone speak at the press conf, we will then walk a copy of the report and a yard sign that has been signed by activists to Heineman’s office and Attn. Bruning’s office to reinforce their need to protect our land, water and safety.
Other groups are welcome to also speak, please email me ASAP if you want some podium time. You do not need to speak, we will recognize all groups, activists and landowners there. We are still looking for a landowner to speak also, particularly a landowner that has the current pipeline (Keystone 1) in their land right now.
Thursday, Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m. – Demonstration with signs at 72 & Pacific
Thursday, Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m. – Demonstration with signs at 72 & Pacific
Thursday, Oct. 14, 5-7 p.m. – Demonstration with signs at 72 & Pacific
Thursday, Oct. 7, 5-7 p.m. – Demonstration with signs at 72 & Pacific
Thursday, Sept. 30, 5-7 p.m. – Demonstration with signs at Omaha’s Old Market, 11th & Howard
Thursday, September 23, 5pm-7pm, – Demonstration with signs at 90th & Maple, Omaha
Thursday, September 16, 5pm-7pm, – Demonstration with signs at 90th & Maple, Omaha.
Thursday, September 9, 5pm-7pm, – Demonstration with signs at 90th & Maple, Omaha.
Tuesday, August 31, 5pm-7pm, – Demonstration with signs at 90th & Maple, Omaha.
August 27 – Press release to all Nebraska newspapers (over 600) regarding TransCanada threat to use eminent domain to force all landowners in their path to condemn individuals private land.
“Nebraska Elected Officials Should Stand Up For Landowners Against TransCanada Pipeline Company”
For more information on this release contact:
Ken Winston 402-212-3737; kwinston@inebraska.com
Jane Kleeb 402-705-3622; jane@boldnebraska.org
RESOURCES/LINKS:
Keystone Pipeline Update (by Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter Lobbyist)
Join “Week of Action” – Rallies Against Keystone XL Pipeline