Braley has opportunity to do the right thing

Wally Taylor's May 2 guest column, “Braley supports Big Oil,” provides an excellent critique of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline that Congress seems so eager to approve.

More important, he questions Congressman Bruce Braley's support of this. Braley's vote only reinforces the view of many of us that America's climate and energy policies are dictated by the fossil fuel industries.

From attacks on the Clean Air Act, promotion of the Keystone XL pipeline and gas fracking, to the funding of climate denial think tanks and media campaigns, they dominate the decision making on the most important issues of our day. These industries also receive billions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies, despite being some of the most profitable companies in history. Their millions in campaign contributions seals this oily deal.

Braley can do the right thing when the issue returns to the House floor for a final vote.

Tom Mohan

Cedar Rapids