Guest Editorial in the Des Moines Register by Paul Cienfuegos. Paul is a leading Community Rights educator and organizer, based in Portland, Oregon. He has been working actively with 100 Grannies for a Livable Future to stop the Dakota Access pipeline through Iowa.
Are you concerned that the proposed Bakken pipeline could have significant negative economic and environmental impacts in the 18 Iowa counties where it is planned? Are you concerned that the Iowa Utilities Board will approve this boondoggle, regardless of the fact that overwhelming majorities of Iowans oppose this project?
Did you know that the people of Iowa have the inherent right to overrule whatever decision is made by the Iowa Utilities Board about the pipeline? We the people of these United States are sovereign over our federal, state and local governments. Our ancestors fought and died for this in the American Revolution. Every state constitution recognizes our sovereignty.
Here’s the language in the Iowa Constitution’s Bill of Rights:
“All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and they have the right, at all times, to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it.” …..
To read the complete Guest Editorial, click HERE.
To read the rapid response by Iowa State Rep Ralph Watts, a leading member of American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), click HERE.