A leader in the fight against oil pipelines reflects on lessons learned

An activist stands out at an occupied pump station.
Activist and attorney Tara Houska at an occupied Enbridge Line 3 pump station near Park Rapids, Minn., on June 7, 2021.
Evan Frost | MPR News 2021

In 2022, many activists are hoping for real action to prevent disasters related to climate change. Experts say that to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need to cut back on fossil fuel consumption.

In the last few years, the Keystone XL pipeline was cancelled, and here in Minnesota, the embattled plan to build the Sandpiper pipeline was scrapped. But the contested Line 3 replacement pipeline from Enbridge, which runs through northern Minnesota, was completed in 2021 despite the efforts of many to stop it.

Tara Houska is an attorney and one of the leaders in the movement to stop the construction of new pipelines. She is Anishinaabe, and she leads the Giniw Collective. Host Cathy Wurzer asked Houska what she’s learned from her work so far and why this cause matters.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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