Health Professionals Say Climate Change is a Health Crisis and Line 3 Threatens Our Air, Water, and Future Generations.
August 17, 2021, a group of 15 health professionals and allies in San Francisco came together peacefully in front of the SF Army Corp of Engineers San Francisco headquarters to stand in solidarity with Indigenous and other directly-impacted communities and health professional allies in Minnesota as part of the National Day of Action against the Line 3 Pipeline. Dr. Aude Bouagnon read a letter signed by almost 200 health professionals calling on President Biden to revoke the permits and #StopLine3. Our request to the President was sent via the Army Corp because they have the authority to revoke the construction permit they issued and save the wetlands that Line 3 would cross. As noted by cardiologist Dr. Jeff Ritterman, “The rivers that run through Minnesota are like the arteries that run through our bodies. Polluting the rivers with tar sand is an inevitable consequence of the Line 3 construction. This is like giving Mother Earth heart attacks and strokes while it is also set on fire.”
Health professionals in Minnesota have opposed Line 3 for several years in a movement led by Indigenous leaders. SF Bay PSR stands in solidarity with the water protectors who are engaging in peaceful protest are facing an increase in violence including tear gas, rubber bullets and mass arrests.
READING and RESOURCES
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate report: Health Risks of the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate factsheet: Health Impacts of Line 3