9 Arrested In Latest Protest At Weymouth Compressor Plant

WEYMOUTH, MA — The protest groups Extinction Rebellion and 350 Mass Action are claiming nine more arrests Thursday in the latest in a series of demonstrations at a Weymouth natural gas compressor construction site. For the third time in the past two months, protestors blocked the entrance of the site of the 7,700-horsepower compressor construction site with ensuing arrests.

The groups on Thursday took credit for delaying entrance to the plant for three hours. The nine arrests Thursday makes it 19 arrested for civil infractions since Dec. 5.

"We thank these brave individuals for putting their bodies on the line to protect people and the planet from further climate destruction," the protest groups said in a joint statement.

The groups are calling on Gov. Charlie Baker and the Department of Environmental to reconsider approval given to the project in light of fierce opposition from climate activists and some local officials. They cite what they call the "industrial environmental hazards" associated with the project with posing a danger for the densely populated coastal community with two schools and 3,100 students located within an mile of the compressor site.

"Governor Baker and the agencies he oversees are responsible for protecting citizens from health risks and initiating real change to protect the environment. The fossil fuel industry will not voluntarily sacrifice its profits for the greater good," said Amanda Nash, a vocal member of the recent protests. "That industry has spent the last 30(-plus) years lying to the public about the severity of global heating and the industry's role in creating it. Governor Baker and the legislature need to stop acting on behalf of the fossil fuel companies and take drastic measures to protect our communities and ensure a livable future."

On Dec. 5, protestors from the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station were out in force in Weymouth where they said about 30 protestors blocked the national gas compressor station entrance on Bridge Street. Four were arrested that day in what they called "an act of civil disobedience.

Later that week, six more protestors from the group were arrested after they laid down in front of the gates of the station during an hours-long protest.

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