From the Des Moines Register newspaper, 2/22/2016.
Opponents of the proposed Bakken oil pipeline are pledging an all-out fight if Iowa regulators approve the project, launching a court battle and engaging in community activism that could result in some protesters trying to block construction crews.
The Iowa Utilities Board expects to make a decision in early March on a request by Dakota Access to build the crude pipeline through 18 Iowa counties. The board has been exploring possible terms and conditions for granting a state permit for the pipeline, and supporters and critics say it appears likely that Iowa regulators will approve plans for the project to proceed. …..
In addition, a series of workshops are planned from Feb. 27 to March 6 in Boone, Rockwell City, Des Moines and possibly other cities to discuss how Iowans can adopt so-called community rights ordinances in an effort to stop the pipeline, organizers said. Supporters of the concept say communities have adopted such ordinances in other states in efforts to block the use of hydraulic fracturing to explore for oil, as well as mining, water bottling, the establishment of large “factory” farms and dumping of urban sewage sludge on farmland.
“We have the inherent right to protect our lands, our people and our water when those charged with guarding our interests fail to do so,” said April Burch, an anti-pipeline activist from Boone. “Beyond the potentially catastrophic impacts of a pipeline leak or explosion, the time for investing billions of dollars of public money into fossil fuel infrastructure is over. It’s time to stand up and demand clean energy.”
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