It’s been a minute since we updated where GRN is in the fight to stop the Bayou Bridge pipeline. This is the largest proposed pipeline we have seen in Louisiana in years and it is meeting massive resistance from people all over the state. The Coastal Use permit for Bayou Bridge has been issued by Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR). GRN and partners filed a “request for reconsideration” with the state because, as we’ve stated before, this pipeline clearly impacts our coast. Last week, that request was denied. This is a big disappointment, but it’s not over. In order to move forward, the Bayou Bridge pipeline also needs permission from the Army Corps to fill in the 600+ acres of wetlands along it’s route. This permission comes in the form of a 404 Wetland Permit. At this time, the Army Corps can do one of three things:
1) Grant Bayou Bridge pipeline the wetland permit
2) Require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a study showing the impact that this project will have along it’s route
3) Deny the permit
The Army Corps has yet to issue the 404 permit, so we’re continuing to keep the heat on for a full EIS, if not an outright refusal of the permit. One person who can influence the Army Corps is Representative Cedric Richmond (LA 2nd District, @reprichmond). GRN & partners are requesting a meeting with him to demand he send a letter to the Corps requesting an EIS. We don’t know when the Corps will decide on this 404 permit. We will keep you posted and, depending on the outcome, we may need your help to take legal action. In the meantime, we’re working with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, BOLD Louisiana, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, Sierra Club, and 350 Louisiana and other groups who are in the fight against Bayou Bridge. Some are organizing more actions, supporting the “L’eau est la vie” camp, sending petitions to Gov. Edwards, and hosting trainings and teach-ins across Louisiana – it’s not over!Stay tuned for more updates and ways to take action. Natasha Noordhoff is GRN’s Development Director