Above photo: Willy Levitt (Photo: RYAN MERCER/FREE PRESS)
A Chittenden County jury found Rising Tide activist Willy Levitt guilty of simple assault today, for his participation in a non-violent action against Vermont Gas Systems proposed fracked gas pipeline. Despite the verdict, Levitt and Rising Tide vowed to continue their efforts to stop the pipeline, which would continue Vermont’s dependence on dirty fossil fuels
“This was a politically motivated trial in which Vermont Gas attempted to discredit opposition to the fracked gas pipeline by trumping up allegations of violence that did not occur,” said Sara Mehalick, an organizer with Rising Tide Vermont who chained herself to the gas companies office in May.
“We’re committed to continuing non-violent action to ensure just energy solutions and opposing the fracked gas pipeline”, said Mr. Levitt. “Having grown up in Vermont, I’ve seen how much things have started to change due to global warming. We need better options than fracked gas pipelines.”
At a press conference following the trial, Rising Tide reaffirmed their commitment to continued non-violent action in stopping the fracked gas pipeline.
Vermont banned the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in 2011 amidst growing evidence that fracking contaminates groundwater. The construction of the pipeline pipeline has faced strong opposition from a coalition of impacted landowners and climate activists around the region.
“Regardless of this verdict, we know we are doing what is necessary to defend our communities from run-away global warming, and we will continue our efforts to stop the fracked gas pipeline,” Mehalick said.