Multiple reasons to say no to pipeline

I was appalled by the Oct. 1 article 'Proposed pipeline releases more details.”

What The Gazette chose to share in large circles in color on the front page was simply the economic possibilities of the proposed Bakken pipeline. It was slanted in such a way to convince anyone reading it casually that of course there is every reason to say 'yes” to the pipeline - it's money, taxes and jobs.

Could there be any reason to say 'no” to the pipeline? Indeed there are multiple reasons.

Pipelines leak with frequency and they impact the land and water adversely. Who pays for the clean up or for the farm land that is ruined? If individuals whose land this pipeline would traverse do not want to have it cross their farm they will have it taken by eminent domain. What kind of subsidy would they be provided? Who is really going to benefit from a pipeline that would move 450,000 barrels a day through the heart of Iowa? Not Iowans who will be dealing with increased greenhouse gas emissions as the oil is burned wherever it ends up.

There is only one atmosphere and what is done anywhere affects everyone everywhere. We are in a desperate race for time with the climate and pumping more carbon dioxide into the air will not benefit our children or grandchildren. A few pockets might be lined, but you can't breathe, eat or drink money.

It's time to wake up and figure out that there is a bottom line more important than the bottom line.

Barbara Schlachter

Iowa City