Kayak Protest Against Fossil Fuels

It’s been a while already since the issue of fossil fuels has provoked a fierce controversy. This weekend there will be a demonstration in Skagit County organized by hundreds of ‘kayaktivists’.

Their target is to stop the flow of oil coming from two important refineries, an action which will also lead to traffic trouble and long ferry delays for everyone.

More than 2,000 people are going to gather for the weekend demonstrations. Plus, the protesters stated that they are not scared of arrest as long as they make a clear statement against fossil fuels.

Furthermore, the event organizer, Margo Pollie, arranged a crash course for around a dozen kayakers on Friday. The next day, more than a few thousand will join the others in Fidalgo Bay. According to him, people must become more aware of climate change, and its effects on the surrounding environment. It means that carbon emissions and fossil fuels must be stopped even if that leads to arrest.

In addition to this, already more than 500 protesters declared that as long as their message will be loud and clear, they are ready to be arrested. According to them, all efforts will be made to save the world.

Activists took as their target both the Shell and Tesoro oil refineries saying that this weekend protest will probably look similar to the Shell oil rig protests from last summer in Everett and Seattle. Moreover, even if every road access into the refineries is already cut off, many of the participants will attend the demonstration on the water.

State and federal agencies will help the local police to do their best to assure that no display of violence will occur. According to Will Reichardt, Skagit County Sheriff, it is less likely that something unfortunate will happen. However, they are already prepared for the worst case scenario.

In fact, the biggest concern of the officials is the activists’ safety because the water is cold and the currents in Fidalgo Bay are strong, meaning that hypothermia and drowning are the real life threat.

Commander Brian Meier from the U.S. Coast Guard stated that people die even during recreation activities, indicating another reason why the authorities must be cautious for the entire weekend.

Hopefully, the demonstration against fossil fuels will send a message with no casualties.

Image Source:Flickr