casey coffman reports. >> reporter: it's a small protest that could be anywhere in america joshgs buts is portland, maine. and sarah believes her state has become the next battleground for the environmental movement. >> we all are enjoying the lifestyle we take for granted here, and now people are realizing we have to stand up and fight for it, because if we don't, there is big industry that will come across and threaten it. >> reporter: the pipeline is owned by the portland pipeline corporation. it has provided montreal for w crude for decades, but that could soon change. it would reverse the flow and bring tar sands down through maine to be shipped out on tankers. environmentalists are encouraging voters to vote for a water protection service. they say allowing the oil to cross their state is simply not worth the risk. >> in order to move the tar sands through pipelines you have to have it at a higher heat and higher pressure, so the chances of it bursting is more dangerous. >> reporter: but not everyone agrees. >> i think if we really work rat banning it, i think what is going to h