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Protests at March Point result in 52 arrests

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Smoke rises from refineries while climate activists camp on train tracks on Saturday, May 14 near Anacortes, Washington. Protest organizers estimated that over 150 people camped on the tracks to help block crude oil from reaching the refineries. // Photo by Erasmus Baxter

Climate activists took to land, sea and train tracks from Friday, May 13, to Sunday, May 15, in mass protests targeting the oil refineries at March Point in Anacortes.

Activists set up an encampment Friday to block rail lines leading to the refineries, which constitute nearly half of Washington’s oil refining capacity. The refineries at March Point are owned by Tesoro and Shell, and rely on the train tracks for the delivery of crude oil.

“I think it’s really important recognizing not only this is bad for the environment, this is taking it away from the people who were here before we were and have a right to this land.”

Sophomore Lydia Lee

Police raided the encampment at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday, arresting 52 people. Over 150 people had camped out on the rail lines Friday and Saturday night, according to organizers. 

Freshman Ryan Schluter was sleeping on the tracks when police arrived and left when they evacuated the area.

“Policeman came charging down both sides of the railroad with guns and tasers and told us to put our hands up and evacuate as soon as we could,” Schluter said."We had 15 minutes until they started arresting people.”

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Protesters march past oil trains on Saturday, May 14 at March Point near Anacortes as part of an indigenous led protest. Organizers estimated the attendees at near 1000. Marchers featured sunflowers, that purify toxic soil when planted, as a symbol of healing from environmental destruction. // Photo by Erasmus Baxter

“Neither fighting nor running away is going to help this community, or those workers, find their voice and be a part of a solution.”

Steve Gary, retired worker

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Washington State Patrol officers prepare to arrest climate activists blockading train tracks on Sunday, May 15 outside of Anacortes, Washington. Police arrested 52 people who refused to leave the tracks. More than 150 people camped on the train tracks overnight to prevent trains hauling crude oil from reaching the refineries at March Point. // Photo by Erasmus Baxter

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