Choose Iowans over big oil profit

To the editor:

After attending four community hearings to learn about the proposal for a crude oil pipeline crisscrossing Iowa, I was alarmed to hear several inconsistencies from the Dakota Access representative. Project information about the main details varied from one meeting to another.

Hundreds of landowners representing generations of agribusiness owners attended and were allowed to ask one question. What's clear is the lack of integrity of this Texas oil company, Dakota Access, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners. Not only were landowners given conflicting details, many have endured unethical tactics, including harassment and intimidation, to get them to sign land easements for a one-time payment. A news release by Dakota Access was sent with inaccurate estimates of landowners who have voluntarily signed easements.

Who is watching out for the best interest of Iowans? The Iowa Utilities Board staff has spent thousands of hours coordinating county hearings and combing through the permit language, recently providing their second list of over 100 'deficiencies” to Dakota Access. Is this the role of Iowa Utilities Board staff? Funded by Iowa taxpayers for big oil profit? How much has this project cost Iowans?

Gov. Terry Branstad appointed the three-member Iowa Utilities Board, who will determine the 'public convenience and necessity” of the Bakken pipeline permit. Where is the support for landowners? It's time to stand up for the good people of Iowa. Visit nobakken.com to learn how to support Iowans and help create a healthy future.

Cheryl Valenta

Cedar Rapids