IUB Hearings ignore tough questions from Iowans

Citizen concerns go unanswered at IUB’sBakken Pipeline Hearing

Iowa CCI members demand Board force accountability to public concerns from Dakota Access

Iowa CCI members challenged the faulty information and inadequate answers that Dakota Access has provided under examination at the IUB evidentiary hearings at the Boone Fairgrounds. The company has used the same arguments that have already been debunked by the opposition, and is even withholding valuable information from the public, including data on what the implications of a “worst case scenario” oil spill would be. “They are repeating their tired old arguments that we’ve heard since day one,” said Shari Hawk, Iowa CCI member from Ankeny. “The proposed Bakken Pipeline is all risk and no reward for Iowa- it won’t be an economic boon for our state, oil will continue to be shipped by rail, and the oil is destined to be exported from Gulf Coast refineries anyway.”Under questioning, Dakota Access refused to reveal the names of their contracted oil shippers, which fostered the suspicion that companies such as TransCanada might be involved in light of the recent failure of the Keystone XL pipeline. Given TransCanada’s proposal with the Upland Pipeline in North Dakota, access to the Bakken Pipeline easements would give the company a route to move dangerous tarsands oil across the Midwest if the two companies enter into agreement.“Iowans must be aware of the long-term, precedent setting risk that an IUB approval will mean for our state,” said Dick Lamb, CCI member of Iowa City who owns land impacted by the pipeline in Boone County. “Permitting the Bakken Pipeline could pave the way for more pipeline proposals, different kinds of crude oil or hazardous substances, and weakened property rights in Iowa.”Given the magnitude of the proposal, Iowa CCI members also questioned whether or not any federal dollars were supporting the proposed Bakken Pipeline. To date, Dakota Access has not disclosed this information to the public.“With billions of dollars at stake, it’s difficult to believe that Dakota Access isn’t appropriating any federal funds or assistance to promote the pipeline,” said Brenda Brink, Iowa CCI member of Huxley. “If so, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is triggered and a full environmental impact statement must be performed for the entire length of the proposal.” On December 1st, Iowa CCI will participate in IUB’s evidentiary hearing and present evidence against the pipeline including the voices of landowners, union members, and water quality advocates. The Board is expected to issue a decision as soon as early January.