The “total disregard” Dakota Access paid to the extensive damages they caused on a farmer’s field in NW Iowa (reported here by the Storm Lake Tribune last week) reminds us what we knew all along—the state is not holding Dakota Access accountable for our soil, water, and community health, so now we have to do this important work!
Kathy Holdefer, a pipeline fighter from Mingo, has been watching the construction near her home in Jasper County and taking notes. She has an important message about the need for us to keep watch and continue our non-violent opposition to this toxic pipeline:
I was disappointed to read in the Newton Daily News that arson is suspected in the burning of Dakota Access equipment – in use to install the Bakken Pipeline – in Jasper and Mahaska Counties.
Although I’ve been vocally opposed to this pipeline, I don’t advocate violent or subversive acts against it. I do, however, encourage those who understand the threat that this project poses to openly oppose it, as I and hundreds of others have done. I also encourage those who are able, to take direct action against it – even to risk arrest for the cause.
I also want to note that the Newton Daily News article states, “the equipment is owned by Huston-based subcontractor Pe Ben U.S.A. and Precision Pipeline of Eau Claire, Wis. is running the Jasper County job sites.”
At construction sites near Mingo and Colfax, all the vehicles I’ve seen – and all those described by friends – bear out-of-state license plates. A year and a half ago, Iowa was promised – in exchange for risk to precious soil, waters, and farmers’ livelihoods – lots and lots of jobs for Iowans. That does not seem to be the case right now.
It’s not surprising that residents are outraged. I will ask, though, that we not be discouraged from opposing this project.
In Nebraska, pipe had already been laid in the ground for the Keystone Pipeline, but opponents there kept up the drumbeat and defeated it. We can still ensure that no toxic crude will ever flow through Iowa. Visit boldiowa.org to sign a pledge of resistance against the project, or nobakken.com for information on continuing to oppose and defeat the Bakken Pipeline.
Please join with Kathy and others as we continue to be eyes and ears on the ground for the public good.
Continue posting your photos of construction to this public facebook group. Much of this monitoring can be done from public property–taking pictures from roadsides, for example. If you are a landowner, you have greater clout and can be especially helpful. We are especially interested in documentation of infractions.
Know that we will continue to keep you up-to-date about our next steps as we work together to protect Iowa from Bakken oil through non-violent actions.
Thanks to Kathy for reminding us about our role in this fight, and to each of you for all you do for continuing to speak up, stand up, and act up to stop the oil from flowing through this pipeline.
In gratitude,
The Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition Family
