DeepSummary
The episode follows the Memphis community's ongoing fight against the Byhalia crude oil pipeline project after federal regulators approved a key permit in early 2021. Despite this setback, activist group Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP) regroups and pursues other avenues like pressuring local officials, holding rallies with national figures like Al Gore and Rev. William Barber II, and continuing a legal battle questioning the pipeline company's eminent domain powers.
With the federal and state governments siding with the pipeline, MCAP turns its focus to the Memphis City Council, lobbying for an ordinance that would require the council's approval for pipelines crossing city property and the city's water aquifer. This proposal faces opposition from the city attorney over potential litigation threats from the pipeline company. After months of delays, the council passes a resolution against the pipeline but continues debating the ordinance.
Alongside the political fight, MCAP's legal team allows the activist group to intervene in an eminent domain case against resistant landowners, preventing the pipeline company from easily dropping the case. As national media attention grows, the pipeline company eventually offers a pause and potential re-route amidst the pressure, setting up a dramatic conclusion.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Despite federal and state approval of the Byhalia pipeline, local activists in Memphis refused to back down and pursued multiple avenues to fight the project.
- MCAP strategically shifted their efforts to lobbying the Memphis City Council for an ordinance giving them oversight over pipeline construction after failing at the federal level.
- The activists drew significant national support and media attention, with figures like Al Gore and Rev. Barber denouncing the pipeline's environmental racism.
- MCAP's legal team allowed them to intervene in a key eminent domain case against landowners, preventing an easy resolution for the pipeline company.
- After months of sustained pressure, the pipeline company offered to pause and consider re-routing, signaling the activists' efforts were having an impact.
- The city attorney and officials expressed concerns about litigation from the pipeline company if they opposed the project too forcefully.
- The fight highlighted the economic and racial divide between the areas impacted by the pipeline and other wealthier, whiter parts of Memphis that joined the activism.
- The struggle evoked historical civil rights battles in Memphis like the 1968 sanitation workers' strike where MLK was assassinated.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “This pipeline project is a reckless racist rip off.“ by Al Gore
- “Our partners on the ground in Memphis turned to the politicians who are closest to them, who also drink the water to try to address that gap.“ by Amanda Garcia
- “I just want to make sure that we know what we're voting on.“ by Jeff Warren
- “It's Memphis versus everybody.“ by Kathy Robinson
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Episode Information
Broken Ground
Southern Environmental Law Center
9/8/22
With a federal permit approved and state officials supporting the project, in the spring of 2021 the Byhalia Pipeline has momentum on its side. But opponents aren’t giving up as they bring national attention to the project and turn to local elected officials for help, all while still in court questioning a private oil company’s right to take property owners’ land. It’s a season of two steps forward, one step back.