March 19, 2024

Protect our rivers and farms

Our state’s leaders have failed to protect the public good and now it is on us, as citizens of Iowa, to do as we have done many times before — stand on the right side of history. The Bakken pipeline has already cost our state countless hours of time and money as county officials review emergency management plans and landowners pursue legal counsel. At a rate of 570,000 barrels of toxic crude oil per day, the pipeline has the potential to spill nearly 1 million gallons per hour.

Dakota Access bullied their way through our state’s review process and has begun to serve landowners condemnation papers, yet pipeline fighters across the state — farmers, environmentalists, property rights proponents, and members of faith-based communities — continue to stand together and oppose this toxic pipeline.

On Saturday pipeline fighters will host a family-friendly day in Pilot Mound to protect the Des Moines River. Together, the group will call upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reject the pipeline permit currently under review. The public is invited to join in a float along the section of the river where Dakota Access has already begun to clear trees and wants to cross beneath the river and, afterwords, to gather at the Pilot Mound community center for food and fellowship. More information is at nobakken.com. Join us in standing on the right side of history to protect our water and our land on June 25. You will be in good company.

Angie Carter

Davenport