Protect St. James — Call Gov. Edwards!

Last month, Louisiana district court judge Alvin Turner Jr. ruled that a key permit for the Bayou Bridge Pipeline was issued illegally by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR). Despite the judge’s order, LDNR has refused to enforce the law. Even worse, construction of the pipeline has intensified in St. James, a community often referred to as part of Louisiana’s cancer alley. LDNR is ultimately overseen by Governor John Bel Edwards – meaning that he is responsible for this injustice.

Judge Turner’s decision acknowledges the unjust environmental burden already plaguing residents in St. James, and requires LDNR and Bayou Bridge to evaluate the impact of a potential spill on the community. At the bare minimum, St. James residents have been demanding an evacuation route in the event of an emergency – an ask that has been ignored by LDNR and Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), the notorious pipeline builder behind the Bayou Bridge project.

What’s worse? Instead of stopping illegal construction in St. James, police have arrested water protectors delivering Judge Turner’s order to pipeline workers and law enforcement.

Governor John Bel Edwards has the power to enforce the law and protect St. James but has refused to do so.

Take action: call Governor Edwards now!

When you are connected, please give them your name and zip code. Then tell them:

“I want Governor Edwards to enforce Judge Turner’s order and stop all construction of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline in St. James Parish until LDNR implements an emergency response plan for the community that includes an evacuation route for St. James residents. The St. James community is already overburdened with pollution and risk – please enforce the law and protect the community from further harm!”