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Greenbelters Arrested in Pipeline Protest

Disturbed by the Keystone XL pipeline project, four Greenbelt residents took their protest to the White House.

Four Greenbelt residents were among the 1,252 environmental activists arrested outside the White House.

Several Greenbelters took part in Aug. 20 through Sept. 3 sit-ins to protest TransCanada Corporation’s pipeline project. Their activities focused on concerns that the Keystone XL pipeline could cause devastating oil spills and accelerate climate change by encouraging fossil fuel use instead of investment in alternative energy.

Greenbelt participants included Lore Rosenthal, Elizabeth Gaines, Marjorie Gray and Jamie Phillips. Rosenthal, the coordinator of Greenbelt Climate Action Network, was arrested on Aug. 22. The 53-year-old professional sign language interpreter stated it was her first major protest action.

TransCanada Corporation references the Perryman Group study in relationship to the economic benefits of its pipeline project, as stating that the pipeline project should improve U.S. energy security, which would benefit the U.S. economy by providing a more stable source of consistent energy supply over an extended period of time.

Rosenthal takes a different stance and was motivated to action by her frustration with President Obama, whom she supported in 2008. “Some people who supported President Obama feel disillusioned and disappointed, but attending the protests was an anti-depressant,” Rosenthal said.

Elizabeth "Lolly" Gaines, an employee relations professional who has multiple sclerosis, carried out her civil disobedience on Sept. 1, her fifty-sixth birthday. Gaines stated that for her birthday, she wanted to do something that made a difference.

Gaines participated in Vietnam War protests at the age of 14. She said she was also arrested by park police for civil disobedience during a protest against the School of the Americas 25 years ago.

Gaines participated in the Sept. 1 protest sitting in a wheelchair
because multiple sclerosis has limited her mobility. She said that although she can walk with a cane, she worried about walking when handcuffed. Fortunately, park police were concerned for her comfort, she added.

“There is no reason to give up supporting what you believe in because you have multiple sclerosis,” Gaines said, adding she was arrested with the charge of failure to obey lawful order.

Marjorie Gray, hasn't given up either, despite the hardships that went along with her Aug. 26 arrest. She said she was arrested and fined $100.

“The worst thing and the best thing was in the paddy wagon. It was very hot and uncomfortable and I thought I was going to pass out. But it was very joyful… we started singing," Gray said.

If the President grants permission, the pipeline would run 1,661 miles
from the tar sands of Alberta, Canada, to Houston, Texas.

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