MIDDLEBURY — A grassroots coalition of environmental organizations has organized a demonstration against a proposed Vermont Gas Systems pipeline that would bring natural gas from Colchester to Middlebury.
Organizers expect hundreds of community members opposed to the pipeline to be in attendance at rally on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Middlebury Union Middle School off Deerfield Lane. It will occur prior to a 7 p.m. Vermont Public Service Board hearing, which will consider Vermont Gas’ Addison Natural Gas Project.
Rally organizers said that, in addition to carrying gas derived from the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” the pipeline would have major detrimental impacts on farmers, landowners and sensitive environmental areas throughout Chittenden and Addison counties. They said they expect dozens testifying against the pipeline’s construction.
The coalition has been working since December 2012 to rally opposition to the pipeline, and to convince the public and decision makers to reject the fracked gas pipeline.