Activists Arrested for Pipeline Blockade Go to Trial

The trial begins Friday for nine activists arrested for disorderly conduct Nov. 9 for halting work on Spectra Energy’s Algonquin Pipeline by blocking access to their construction yard in Montrose, NY.

The group has scheduled a press conference for 11:30 am outside Cortlandt Town Court.

Speakers will include town Councilman Seth Freach, Counsel for the Montrose 9, Martin R. Stolar, and members of the Montrose 9.

According to the group’s spokesman:

The Necessity Defense will argue that the actions of the Montrose 9 were warranted given the imminent and grave risks Spectra’s Algonquin Pipeline construction poses on a local, regional, and global level. Locally, Spectra’s construction activities and pipeline infrastructure will emit pollutants that harm public health and pose a serious risk of rupture in a densely populated area. Regionally, the pipeline endangers Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Buchanan, NY where Spectra’s plans include a new pipeline within 105ft of critical plant infrastructure. The pipeline would also further exacerbate climate change – Spectra’s AIM pipeline would carry fracked methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20 year period. Martin R. Stolar, counsel for the Montrose 9 will argue that their activity was justified because it was done to stop a danger more harmful than the violation of the law, and only after all other legal and regulatory options had been exhausted. Despite objections from residents, scientists, medical professionals, safety experts, and elected officials, the project was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and also green-lighted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

For more information, check out the Facebook event HERE.

PHOTO: Protesters arrested Nov. 9 in Montrose/ResistAIM