Letter: Profits chosen over the common good

Once again the Iowa Utilities Board has sided with Dakota Access in allowing the company to build its dangerous pipeline through prime Iowa farmland.

They have said their decision was based on not wanting to cause 'substantial harm” to Dakota Access. In other words, Dakota Access profits are more important than causing 'substantial harm” to our soil and water, the rights of land owners and the future of our children.

In years to come, when our water has been poisoned, our land rendered unusable, our democracy stolen, our coastal areas flooded to the point of mass migrations of people, our children and grandchildren will ask 'Why did our parents and grandparents do this to us?!” The answer of not wanting to cause 'substantial harm” to the profits of a private corporation will be cold comfort for their suffering.

Virginia Melroy

Iowa City