As a supporter of environmental conservation and a person of indigenous descent, I was first drawn to these forums by an article about this pipeline and the Water Protectors’ efforts to stop it. Their efforts are well documented and the struggle continues. I am an advocate of indigenous rights and hope that at the very least, treaties are honored and people’s right to hold peaceful protest upheld. I am not convinced; however, that in our country these things mean more to the average American than a lower price at the pump. So I feel an even stronger argument must be put forth, one that should concern us all.
As a veteran of the first Gulf War, I would like to remind the public of how that war ended. Saddam Hussein ordered the oil wells that were drilling diagonally into Iraqi oil fields set ablaze. I know someone who fought those fires. It was not an easy task putting them out. Water cannot be used to extinguish an oil fire, it only makes it worse. Check out this link.
I also remember a man named Timothy McVeigh. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are the preferred weapon of terrorists. Do we want an unsecured pressurized oil pipeline running down the center of our country? Can anyone imagine what a lake of fire in the Great Plains would look like? This fire would spread from west to east on the prevalent wind and burn our bread basket.
I wonder if the oil company putting in this pipeline is aware that a busted pipeline on fire is a costly endeavor. It is not only worthless but has economic consequences. Ask British Petroleum.