City of Burlington in Vermont gearing up to fight Alberta pipeline
by The Canadian Press
Passed resolutions this week opposing transport of oilsands bitumen through Vermont, claims leak risk
BURLINGTON, Vt.—People in a quiet New England state best known for dairy cows, maple syrup and mountain scenery are gearing up to fight an oilsands pipeline from Alberta.
The city of Burlington passed resolutions this week opposing the transport of oilsands bitumen through Vermont.
Environmental groups say the vote was in response to a plan by Enbridge Inc. to reverse one of its pipelines to send oil through eastern Canada and New England.
The resolutions say there is a risk that aging pipelines could leak and pollute important waterways in Vermont such as the Connecticut River.
One resolution calls for a referendum question on oilsands pipelines to be added to the ballot for Burlington’s annual town meeting day in March when all residents vote on issues.
Burlington plans to send copies of the resolutions to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Quebec Premier Pauline Marois and Vermont’s governor.
