Wood County Justice-Peace

It is being reported that while protesting the construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, two U.S. citizens were subject to Tasers, pepper spray, and prolonged stress positions by the Wood County, Texas, sheriff's office with TransCanada personnel on hand.



This is shocking, appalling and completely unacceptable!



I object in the most strenuous terms to this brutal treatment of peaceful protesters trying to protect their land and families from a dangerous and unnecessary project. Keystone XL threatens families with tar sands oil spills and is part of an industry that threatens communities with extreme weather. Tar sands oil undermines our clean energy choices.



These protests are part of rising, legitimate public concern with tar sands and tar sands pipelines. People who are moved to peacefully express their opposition must not be subject to abuse or any type of violence.



American citizens will be watching events in Texas closely, and expect humane and respectful treatment of any further protesters.