Editorial: Pipelines necessary in oil-addicted world
The bottom line is that there is no perfect solution — no option that completely protects the enviornment, property and public safety.
But pipelines are the best option.
The bottom line is that there is no perfect solution — no option that completely protects the enviornment, property and public safety.
But pipelines are the best option.
On Monday, members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) showed their support of Dakota Access’ proposed pipeline across Iowa at a news conference in Des Moines and delivered more than 400 letters of support to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB).
The Dakota Access Pipeline that triggered the resistance of the Indians, or Native Americans as some of them want to be called, is nearly complete and ready to take oil to the refineries. The Keystone XL Pipeline project, which endured an on-again, off-again status during the Obama years, is on again. It’s a new day…
In a recent publication by E + E News, Chairman of the MAIN Coalition Ed Wiederstein was quoted stating the Dakota Access Pipeline, “is not like Keystone, other than it’s a pipeline, that’s the only comparison you can make.” He’s correct. Unlike Keystone XL, the Dakota Access Pipeline will be constructed entirely within the United…
Monica Howard, director of environmental services for Energy Transfer Partners, is testifying. She has told state regulators there would be “no net loss of wetlands” as a result of the proposed Bakken pipeline and there will be “very robust” post-construction monitoring to ensure restoration of lands in Iowa where the pipeline is constructed.
“There is no anticipated long-term effect” on water quality and fish communities, Howard said. She added, “We are going above and beyond regulation” in protecting the environment.
Some rivers will be crossed using horizontal directional drilling, while in other cases there will be an “open cut” or a ditch dug across streams and other waterways, Howard said. Such areas would be isolated with dams and would be restored after the pipe is installed. The environmental impacts from such crossings are “extremely miniscule,” she said.
Eight state lawmakers have sent a letter to the Iowa Utilities Board arguing that their Statehouse colleagues should refrain from requesting additional information from the board as it decides whether to grant Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners a hazardous pipeline permit to transport crude oil from North Dakota across Iowa.
David M. Gradwohl’s Nov. 8 letter stating the “deleterious” effects of the Bakken Pipeline is humorous at best [Pipeline project has no substantial public good]. If he is old enough to remember when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the national interstate system, I am sure all the deleterious effects he mentions would have applied 100 percent. The same substantial good of the pipeline for America’s citizens applies.
With his emeritus status he probably has access to the university’s libraries and should pay a visit when he gets a chance.