“Biotechnology is one more tool by the ruling class to control our lives and make more money. Only the rich can produce biotechnology and even if that wasn't so, we would want no part of it because it sees the wild as incomplete, or as lacking, needing manipulation."
-Earth Liberation Front, 2002
About
The Earth Liberation Front or ELF is “the first eco-guerilla defense unit.” This organization uses “economic sabotage and guerrilla warfare to stop the exploitation and destruction of theenvironment.” These methods of sabotage are usually illegal and sometimes violent, and “According to the FBI, today's version of ELF has devolved into a domestic terrorist group.” ELF targets its “monkeywrenching” activities against companies involved in logging, genetic engineering, GMO crops, deforestation, SUV sales, urban sprawl, and rural cluster.
Members argue that that in order to accomplish their goals of earth liberation, illegal direct action is required. Because the group is classified in the US as one of domestic terrorism, a veil of secrecy cloaks the organization and their planned activities. However, numerous ELF members are serving time in prison for their illegal activities on behalf of the organization.
Activities and History
ELF
was founded in 1992 as a branch of the original Environmental Life Force,
founded in Santa Cruz, California thirty one years ago. The original ELF founder John Hanna faces
numerous Federal charges and is currently underground. Over the years, the
number of ELF attacks has risen and they are becoming more widely documented
and reported. The attacks were
originally focused on Northern California and Oregon but have spread to a
global level in recent years.
Notable attacks on scientific organizations
March 18, 1997
Davis,
Calif.
The
"Bay Area Cell of the Earth X ALF" took credit for setting fire to
the University of California, Davis, Center for Comparative Medicine facility,
which was still under construction.
December 31, 1999,
East Lansing, Michigan:
Arson of the offices of Catherine Ives,
Room 324, Agriculture Hall at Michigan State University. The offices
are doused with gasoline and set afire. ELF says the fire was set in response
to the work being done to force developing nations in Asia, Latin America and
Africa to switch from natural crop plants to genetically engineered sweet
potatoes, corn, bananas and pineapples. Monsanto and USAID are major funders of
the research and promotional work being done through Michigan State University.
According to local newspapers, the fire caused over $1 million in damage. "Cremate Monsanto, Long
live the E.L.F. On to the next GE target!" was their
rallying cry.
January 26, 2002
St. Paul, Minnesota:
University of Minnesota Microbial and Plant
Genomics Research Center soil-testing lab and construction trailer burned down,
construction equipment, including a bulldozer damaged, $630,000 damages Claimed
by ELF.
January 29, 2002
Fairfield, Maine
The ELF reported their recent sabotage of
a “Biotech park” under construction in the area:
Excerpts from their communiqué:
“We are writing to inform you that there
is a Biotech Park being built in Fairfield, Maine. We went there some weeks ago
and put a sand/quickcrete mix in the engines, gas, and hydraulics of an
excavator and a roller. These were the only machines there, plowing up the
land, building bridges over creeks. So we left no trace so when the operators
came to work the machines would run and then seize, costing big bucks. Now, we
are letting the people know.”
Their justification
“Biotechnology is one more tool by the
ruling class to control our lives and make more money. Only the rich can
produce biotechnology and even if that wasn't so, we would want no part of it
because it sees the wild as incomplete, or as lacking, needing manipulation.
Our ancestors lived in harmony on this planet for a long time, now all of
humanity's progress is making us sick. And we're gonna trust those that gave us
cancer to create new technologies to cure it. No way!”
Many recent attacks have been focused on
urban development and housing projects, large homes and buildings are a main
target. The actions of the ELF are almost always illegal and many criticize
these “environmentalists” for using tactics of violence and destruction when
their “goal” is to protect and nurture the earth.
ELF Damages in the United States by Type and Cost
