Facing Disorderly Conduct Charges Algonquin Pipeline Protestors Call Actions 'A Necessity'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It was an unlikely group to be facing disorderly conduct charges, 6 women and 3 men, including an Episcopal bishop, a lawyer, an artist, and several retirees.

As CBS2's Lou Young reported, their alleged crime was a protest at the Algonquin natural gas pipeline project in Montrose last November.

To say they are passionate is an understatement.

"It wasn't easy. It wasn't easy, cars honking, people shouting, sometimes running their vehicles into us. No, it wasn't fun," Kathleen Thomas said.

The nine could have pleaded guilty and paid a fine, but insisted on a trial.

"The danger to the environment and getting the word out about what's happening up here is much more important than the violation we're accused of," Melissa Friedman said.

They claim the pipeline project has gotten a sweetheart deal from regulators, and runs far too close to the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

"Twenty-million people could be dead," Andrew Ryan said.

The proceedings were a surreal scene for a town court. Two attorneys and nine defendants faced the judge and didn't deny that they had blocked access. They said they had to and that they would do it again.

"We feel that what we did was a necessity to bring attention to something that is so damaging," Linda Snyder said.

A spokesman for Spectra Energy - the pipeline owners - said while it "respects the right of individuals to peacefully protest...Trespassing is not acceptable and we will prosecute."

The protestors' lawyer admitted that calling their actions a necessity might be a stretch.

"It's a long shot, but I hope the judge buys it," Martin Stolar said.

If he doesn't it could mean 15 days in jail and a $500 fine for each.