MAIN Coalition spokesman Craig Stevens participated in a panel discussion on the Dakota Access Pipeline held Monday night at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
The forum, co-sponsored SMU’s William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies and the Maguire Energy Institute, featured a six-person panel representing a range of backgrounds, including Stevens and Dr. Tayeb Benchaita, a Houston-based engineering consultant.
While some participants sought to drive an emotion filled dialogue, Stevens and Benchaita focused on the underlying facts of the case.
The anti #DAPL speakers bring considerable emotion to the discussion. Other side, less so. #SMU forum.
— Jeffrey Weiss (@Jeffreyweissdmn) October 24, 2016
“Pipelines are the safest form of transportation,” said Dr. Benchaita. “It’s cheap. It’s affordable.”
Furthermore, the duo highlighted that pipelines are much safer than trains and trucks and that Dakota Access strengthens national energy interests, while providing thousands of jobs and millions in local economic stimulus.