Lawless Planet: Surveillance and Sabotage on the Dakota Access Pipeline

In the gripping episode of Lawless Planet titled "Surveillance and Sabotage on the Dakota Access Pipeline," host Zach Goldbaum delves deep into the tumultuous journey of two determined environmental activists, Jessica Reznicek and Ruby Montoya. Their relentless battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) showcases the extreme measures taken in the fight to protect our planet and the formidable challenges posed by powerful corporations and surveillance entities.

Background: The Dakota Access Pipeline Controversy

The Dakota Access Pipeline is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project designed to transport crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois, spanning over 1,000 miles and capable of moving more than half a million barrels of oil daily. Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind DAPL, boasts projected annual revenues exceeding a billion dollars, touting the pipeline's safety and efficiency. However, critics argue that the pipeline poses significant environmental risks, including potential leaks that could contaminate drinking water sources for millions, especially as the route traverses farms, sacred tribal lands, and beneath major rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi.

Zach Goldbaum sets the stage by highlighting the pipeline's contentious path and the deep-rooted fears among activists about environmental degradation and the disregard for indigenous territories. The episode underscores how construction commenced in early 2016 despite mounting opposition, raising tensions and prompting a spectrum of protest activities.

The Activists: Jessica Reznicek and Ruby Montoya

Jessica Reznicek: A Veteran Activist

Jessica Reznicek emerges as a seasoned activist with a history rooted in movements like Occupy Wall Street (2011) and affiliations with the Catholic Workers of Iowa, a group advocating nonviolent resistance. Jessica identifies as a plowshares activist, believing that property damage can be a legitimate form of protest when infrastructure threatens human life and liberty.

“We do understand the need to dismantle infrastructure when it poses a threat to human life and liberty.” ([09:48])

Her activism intensified with the Dakota Access Pipeline, leading to multiple arrests over the years, including dismantling windows at a Northrop Grumman office to protest military drone production.

Ruby Montoya: From Preschool Teacher to Activist

In contrast, Ruby Montoya transitions from a preschool teacher to a fervent environmental activist after witnessing the impending threat of DAPL. Inspired by indigenous protesters at Standing Rock, Ruby joins the movement, driven by a profound concern for future generations.

“I read about what they were intending to do to put these sturdy petroleum pipes underneath our major waterways here in the United States. And I was aghast by their intentions.” ([14:44])

Ruby's initial foray into activism is marked by idealism and a strong belief in the cause, although her methods initially appear unconventional to her peers.

Escalation of Protest Tactics

Frustrated by minimal progress through conventional protest methods—marches, boycotts, sit-ins, and hunger strikes—Jessica and Ruby resort to more drastic measures to hinder the pipeline's construction. Inspired by historical acts of protest that oscillate between civil disobedience and property damage, they believe that escalating their actions is necessary to make a significant impact.

Zach Goldbaum draws parallels between their actions and historical protests:

“These were not permanent, perfect protests because there is no such thing. And before these movements were sanitized to the point that they fit on a postage stamp, they all faced the same how far should we go in the pursuit of justice?” ([05:44])

Acts of Sabotage: Arson and Vandalism

In a bold move, Jessica and Ruby engage in acts of sabotage against DAPL construction sites. Under the cover of darkness, they deploy makeshift incendiary devices—burning machinery at a construction site, causing an estimated $2.5 million in damages.

“We are not the destroyers. We're the property improvers.” ([26:22])

Their actions, while significant to them and their cause, are portrayed as minor inconveniences by Energy Transfer Partners, showcasing the imbalance of power between individual activists and large corporations.

Surveillance and Infiltration: The TigerSwan Connection

Despite their efforts, Jessica and Ruby find themselves perpetually one step behind the company's strategies. This is due to the involvement of TigerSwan, a private, shadowy security firm contracted by Energy Transfer Partners to protect the pipeline. TigerSwan employs militarized tactics and sophisticated surveillance methods, including the deployment of undercover operatives within activist groups to gather intelligence and preempt protests.

Zach illustrates the invasive nature of TigerSwan's operations:

“TigerSwan was regularly sharing intel with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Justice Department, the Marshals Service, and local law enforcement.” ([27:07])

The infiltration reaches a critical point when Joel Edwards, a former Marine and beloved figure within the activist community, is revealed as a mole working for TigerSwan. His betrayal highlights the extent of corporate surveillance and the erosion of trust within activist networks.

Legal Repercussions and Sentencing

The culmination of Jessica and Ruby's activism leads to severe legal consequences. Charged with multiple felonies related to sabotage and vandalism of critical infrastructure, they face harsh sentencing under newly enacted critical infrastructure protection laws that equate such acts with terrorism.

“We are removing destructive machinery from construction sites and we are not the destroyers. We're the property improvers.” ([26:22])

Their legal battles expose the aggressive tactics employed by both corporations and the government, utilizing terrorism enhancements to rebrand environmental activism as a national security threat. This shift not only serves as a deterrent to other activists but also sets a concerning precedent for the criminalization of dissent in the fight against environmental degradation.

Implications and Reflections

Despite their imprisonment, Jessica and Ruby's story underscores the escalating stakes in environmental activism. While their sabotage efforts incurred millions in damages, the pipeline remained operational, symbolizing the formidable obstacles activists face against entrenched corporate interests.

The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of their actions and sentencing:

“It's scary what everyone is going through. And I think it's fear that prevents people from acting. And I was afraid as well. But it had to be done.” ([42:53])

Their unwavering commitment, despite the personal and legal costs, raises critical questions about the lengths necessary to effect change and the societal structures that hinder progress in addressing climate crises.

Conclusion

This episode of Lawless Planet paints a vivid portrait of the high-stakes battle between environmental activists and powerful energy corporations. Through the lens of Jessica Reznicek and Ruby Montoya's experiences, listeners gain insight into the complex interplay of grassroots activism, corporate surveillance, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding environmental protests. The narrative serves as a poignant exploration of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a sustainable future and the systemic challenges that activists must navigate.

For those intrigued by the intricate dynamics of environmental activism and the profound personal narratives that drive the fight against climate change, Lawless Planet offers an unflinching look into the heart of the struggle. Follow the ongoing investigations and revelations by subscribing to Lawless Planet on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.