 The Minnesota Court of Appeals says four protesters can use an unusual necessity defense against criminal charges related to efforts to shut down two Enbridge energy oil pipelines. The protesters admit that they turned the emergency shut-off valves on two pipelines in 2016 near Clearbrook as a part of a multi-state protest. They want to tell jurors that the threat of climate change from Canadian tar sands crude oil is so imminent that they were justified. A three-judge appeals panel ruled two to one Monday that the prosecutor has failed to show that the that allowing the necessity defense would have a critical impact on the trial's outcome. Trial dates have not been set. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.