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Health, Youth, and Faith Voices Speak Out in Support of Legal Challenge to Wisconsin Reroute
- Wisconsin Health Professionals for Climate Action
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025
Contact: Julia Alberth; julia@healthyclimatewi.org; 608-284-8272
MADISON - An array of public health experts, youth activists, and faith leaders spoke today during a press conference opposing Enbridge’s plan to reroute the Line 5 pipeline as a contested case hearing that challenges that plan comes to a close in Madison this week. This project endangers some of the cleanest and healthiest waters in the region, including the Bad River watershed, which is home to the largest wild rice bed in the Great Lakes and a vital fish hatchery that stocks over 15 million walleye annually.
“Oil pipelines from Enbridge in Wisconsin have repeatedly leaked, which exacerbates asthma, and can cause leukemia, prostate cancer, as well as other cancers, and premature birth,” said Dr. Rob Striker, an infectious disease physician.
Line 5 has already spilled at least 29 times in the last 50 years, releasing more than 1.1 million gallons of oil. A catastrophic oil spill from Line 5 could devastate Lake Superior, the largest and healthiest of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes, which hold 84% of North America’s surface freshwater, provide drinking water for up to 40 million people.
“As a young person, it’s infuriating to see our government allow private corporations to burn our planet and my future. High school students like myself will continue to push for the rejection of Line 5 and stand up for Tribal sovereignty,” shared Clara Olson, a high school student.
Sister Kirsten Peters of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration said, “I am walking a 41-mile pilgrimage of prayer to oppose the reroute of Line 5. I've walked portions of the reroute and I'm deeply concerned about the water, wetlands, and ecosystems surrounding it. I've met children, grandparents, and parents of this Tribe, and there is great concern for the safety of the water for their children.”
The reroute threatens to destroy 101 acres of high-quality wetlands and cross at least 186 waterways, jeopardizing the ecological balance and the livelihoods of communities that depend on clean water. When Enbridge constructed a similar pipeline, Line 3 in Minnesota, it punctured 3 aquifers, spilling millions of gallons of groundwater and incurring a criminal charge.
Public opposition to the project is widespread. In 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received more than 150,000 comments opposing the reroute. Over 140 health professionals and 200 businesses, including Patagonia, have publicly opposed Line 5, citing the risks and the long-term economic damage it would cause to the region.
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About Healthy Climate Wisconsin
Healthy Climate Wisconsin is an organization led by nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, and public health leaders across Wisconsin. Healthy Climate Wisconsin protects the health and quality of life of patients and communities by advancing climate and health equity. Every Wisconsinite, regardless of race, income, gender, or ability, should have clean air, safe water, and a stable climate to live a vibrant, healthy life. www.healthyclimatewi.org
