Nothing for the public necessity
The Bakken pipeline does not offer anything that promotes the public convenience and necessity. The corporation behind the pipeline is attempting to acquire private property solely for the benefit of the corporation, not for the Iowa public. Not only would the pipeline not contribute to the public convenience, if there is a leak, it will harm our state’s ability to produce food, which is a public necessity. If the leak contaminates our water source all beings that live in and around streams and rivers will suffer.
We are here today at the public comment portion of the Iowa Utility Board, a regulatory state agency composed of appointed officials, which is mandated to hold a public comment session. This is a far step from the supreme power of the people promised in the Iowa state constitution which says, “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.”
We are convinced that the only chance we have to retain a livable planet is to step outside of the conventional legal and regulatory system. We in the 100 Grannies for a Livable Future, have come to understand that we can no longer expect our elected, heavily-lobbied state and federal officials, or their government regulatory agencies, to prevent corporations from harming us and destroying the natural world, which is the source of all life.
We are committed, through the community rights process, to protect this portion of the planet by opposing the current power structures and to regain our democratic right to keep our children’s children safe and our beautiful planet healthy.
If you are interested in finding out more about community rights, please ask me.
And remember, even if the Iowa Utility Board approves the Bakken pipeline, we can still start the community rights process. We can still assert our democratic rights to halt toxic or harmful corporate actions and protect our communities.