Nebraskans fight construction of Keystone XL Pipeline

Latest

March to give Keystone XL the boot in Lincoln, Nebraska, following the final state public hearing on the pipeline route. The pipeline has potential for damaging the largest fresh water aquifer in existence, native lands and farmlands.
PHOTO/ALEX MATZKE

By Art Tanderup, as interviewed by Sandy Reid 

Editor’s note: Art Tanderup, of Bold Nebraska, a group fighting construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, talks with Sandy Reid of the People’s Tribune about the final public hearings on the proposed pipeline route through Nebraska. In previous articles Art has described the potential for danger to the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest fresh water aquifer in existence, and the destruction of native lands and farmlands by the pipeline.
“There was a big rally of pipeline fighters and water protectors on the steps of the state capital on August 6, and a march with lots of speakers and banners. We had the Native American horse riders that were made famous in Standing Rock come down and they rode the ponies. It was an awesome event, which included a press conference. By far, the public did not come to support TransCanada.
“At the public hearing, landowners, tribes, Bold Nebraska, our lawyers and others put up fantastic arguments against the pipeline. I think they all did a great job of educating the Public Service Commission, which makes its final decision by November 23. Landowners talked about problems with reclamation, the poor soil and danger to the aquifer. One of the sad things about the way the law was written on this process is that we couldn’t talk about potential spills or leaks. TransCanada lobbied heavily with our state legislature and when the actual rules were written, the deck was stacked. For example, we could talk about water as long as it didn’t relate to a spill, and we couldn’t talk about the one-sided easement that leaves pipes in the ground forever. They limited the testimony of the tribes, which I thought was a terrible thing to do. The cultural part, artifacts, Trail of Tears, campsites and burial grounds is a real concern and we don’t think it got adequate discussion. In discussion with the Ponca Chairman and their lawyer, all agree that depending on how you look at the map, the pipeline crosses the Trail on two locations and the third is questionable. The Ponca Trail of Tears is on our farm and crosses on the next farm over. This is a big issue for us. Also, the lawyers brought out that TransCanada has so many layers within its corporation that if they go broke, or bankrupt, liability will be limited.
If approved, Bold Nebraska pledged to fight the pipeline all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

+ Articles by this author

Sandra Reid is co-editor of the People’s Tribune.

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

America Cannot Afford This Dangerous Step

Americans should be chilled at government's recent designation of “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization (it isn't an organization). This allows for the criminalization of broad swaths of dissent, and won't stop with "Antifa."

America is Divided—But it’s the Wrong Divide

The real divide is between those who have and those who don't. We have the abundance to care for everyone and government must see to it that people's needs are met.

More from the People's Tribune