As of this evening, Tim deChristopher, renown eco-activist, is facing two years in prison and $10,000 in fines. All for trying to protect our environment.
DeChristopher is paying for a “crime” he committed three years ago. On Dec. 19, 2008, Tim (a college student in University of Utah at the time) attended an auction in Utah, where energy companies were bidding on Utah wildland that the Bush administration wanted to use for oil and gas development. Tim won 14 parcels (about 22,000 acres) of land worth $1.8 million. He explains the situation:
He was convicted later, and he knew he faced up to 10 years in prison for this crime. But what’s even more infuriating is that the federal government tried to strike a bargain with him! In an interview, Tim explains why he turned down the government’s efforts to simmer him down:
[The bargain] was for a short amount of prison time. There were several reasons that I turned it down. One, the government said, “We do need you to serve some time, not because we think you are a bad guy, but to set an example that discourages others.” And of course that is the exact opposite of my motivation. That’s the last thing that I want to do — is have my action be an example that instills fear in others, and encourages people to be obedient in the face of injustice. So that was one reason that I didn’t take it.
The fact that the government, whose duty is to support the people, listen to their grievances and mitigate the problems, actually sided with the oil and gas companies to ensure profits and eliminate industry threats is shocking, to say the least.
Tim’s situation exemplifies what happens if you DO speak out against big oil. Tim was convicted for making false statements and violating the Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act, which could’ve led to up to 10 years in prison and as much as a $750,000 fine. But although I am happy he isn’t in jail for 10 years, I am still angry that he had to suffer any jail time at all. The fact that he was arrested immediately, and denied the three weeks usually given to set his affairs in order, is evidence enough that the government and oil and gas companies see him as a threat, and want him out of the public eye as soon as possible.
But ironically enough, the injustice has only incited the public even further. Tim has already sparked an entire movement called Bidder70– his number during the auction. Many students and followers showed up at peaceful protest events around the country to show support. And many of us are now realizing the raw power of civil disobedience and direct action. As this example shows us, we’re up against multi-billionaires who would do anything to make money. Tim himself has said:
I think a lot of the environmental movement has … evolved into this kind of one-click activism that tries to make it really easy for people. And the reality of the situation is, this isn’t going to be easy. And we’ve got very real opponents: the fossil fuels industry.
But Tim deChristopher did NOT protest in vain. If anything, his courage and readiness to stand up against oil and gas industry oppression should motivate all of us to take a stand and raise our voices. This was just one man’s experience. Think about how much difference a movement of thousands can make.
As we get closer and closer to VA Powershift, keep Tim in mind when you come up with your direct action plans (yes, we WILL have a collective direct action during Powershift weekend!). Remember the environment he struggled to preserve, and why it is important to all of us.
Here’s a last video by deChristopher to get you all fired up for VA Powershift. This is his keynote address during National Powershift in April 2011. You’ll be missed, Tim. But thanks to you, the environmental movement is back, and stronger than ever!
