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October 22, 2013

Southwestern Energy Loses Bid to Block Anti-Fracking Protests in Canada 
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In a victory for fracking opponents in New Brunswick, Canada, a court
has denied a request by Southwestern Energy for a permanent injunction
to prevent protests against its bid to explore for gas. Area residents,
including many with the Mi'kmaq First Nation, had blocked a road for
more than two weeks to disrupt the company's efforts. They say fracking,
which involves blasting chemicals deep into rock, would pollute their
water. The company claimed the blockade cost them $60,000 per day. Last
week, more than 100 police descended on the encampment near the village
of Rexton, sparking clashes that resulted in at least 40 arrests and the
torching of five police vehicles. Monday's court ruling allows protests
to continue. Meanwhile on Saturday, anti-fracking actions took place in
hundreds of cities across more than 25 countries as part of the second
"Global Frackdown."

 

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