Please join Sierra Club at bit.ly/JoinNWIASierra!
Thanks for visiting our "Get Involved" tab. By scrolling through this page, you'll find, not a complete history, but many of our past activities along with ways in which you might become active in your community on projects that spark your interest. Your input is always welcomed! We recently added a "Climate" tab which now features Beyond Coal and Pipelines actions and reports.
2024
Monday, January 22nd, 5 P.M.
Dear members and friends. Please take a minute to read Bob Fritzmeier's urgent request.
*Woodbury County SIERRA Club people, you’re please needed to show up, and speak if possible, for solar power! This Monday, January 22nd, 5 P.M. at the Zoning Commission meeting. Downstairs at the Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas Street, Sioux City. Please arrive by 4:30pm if possible.
The final decision will be made as to whether or not to recommend to the Supervisors a permit for a utility solar project on agricultural land here. This is make or break! Opponents of solar have vowed to be there. If we don’t show up in strength of numbers, we’d be surrendering. If you choose to speak for 15 seconds in favor of solar, it will help! If you choose to show up but not speak, that, too, would be a sign of solidarity. Let’s please do this, all of us who can!*
2023
Did you know that all year long........
"You are a Biologist!: Getting Involved Through Citizen Science." (Previous program title ~ presented by Tim Sesterhenn)
Some Community Science Opportunities:
https://bewildrewild.org/scorecard new in 2020~ wildlife crossing monitoring program
Iowa Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program: workshops in early spring (Bald Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Frog & Toad Calls, Bats)
eBird: record bird observations
Great Backyard Bird Count: record bird observations over a short period of time in mid-February, since 1998
Audubon Christmas Bird Count: seasonal bird census running since 1900
Project FeederWatch: seasonal winter bird observations from home, since mid-1970's
Monarch Butterflies: tagging and other research
Search for your county and Monarch tagging on the internet, or use www.mycountyparks.com to find events in your desired area.
iNaturalist: record observations of any species of life for contribution to large datasets
Iowa Water Monitoring: statewide program discontinued, but local opportunities available
Local Organizations & Others:
Chandra Clarke's citizen science blog
Insects of Iowa (and other life too!)
Earth Day Backyard Bio-Blitz https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U4555A_mdhc7cYt8QdxCPqCyZ0hBZxwx1BvGjyS1jNg/edit
Interesting book: Diary of a Citizen Scientist: Chasing Tiger Beetles and Other New Ways of Engaging the World by Sharman Apt Russell
Google is also a great way to find opportunities. Search for citizen science, where you want to do it, and your subject of interest and you have a good chance of finding something!
One last thing......If you see one of these, please let us know!
(Read more details in the Prairie Preservation tab)
Prairie Moonwort
Report a Prairie Moonwort finding to:
James H Locklear, Director of Conservation, Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft St, Omaha NE, 68108
402.356.4002 ext 207 or www.lauritzengardens.org
Conversations on Living Plastic Free
From our recent "4th Tuesdays" program where we opened with this 24 minute video, Plastics Are Forever | Giving Nature A Voice | Free Documentary Nature - Bing video , then explored with one another how we can help make a difference, came a suggestion to document ideas introduced by participants. We felt that this spot would be the best place to permanently store those ideas along with new ones contributed by you. Email yours to us at nwiasierragroup@gmail.com. We'll be sure to share them.
Need ideas? Try browsing these two sites:
Plastic Free Fridays or Plastic Free Fridays | Facebook
Listen on your local public radio station, loe.org, or click below to find us on your favorite podcast app! kite.link/LivingOnEarthIn 2022, the following campaign still needs your support!
(Taken during "Capitol Day" in March 2018)
During the 2022-2023 session, tell your legislators to fund the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund!
Created in 2010 by Iowa voters, the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund would provide reliable, sustainable funding to improve water quality, enhance parks and trails, and protect precious wildlife habitat. Despite widespread support for natural resources and outdoor recreation, the Trust has sat empty for more than a decade, requiring a sales tax increase of 3/8th of a cent for funding.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP), a state law enacted in 1989, provides the framework for funding to protect Iowa’s natural areas, soil conservation, water quality and historical resources. To learn more about REAP and funding of Iowa's parks, recreation areas, and natural areas, see Full Funding for REAP: Protecting Iowa's Natural Areas, Soil Conservation, Water Quality and Historical Resources
Rewilding The Heartland: Mississippi River Watershed Wildlands Restoration and Connectivity will take you to a page that tells the still-evolving story of the Rewilding the Heartland program, which started with Roger Ross Gipple and a small group of citizen conservationists in Iowa, grew to include portions of surrounding states and a vision of Big River Connectivity, and became the grandest Wildlands Network Design effort yet, encompassing the entire Mississippi River Watershed.
- Sierra Club’s Zero Waste Policy
- In addition, the Sierra Club’s National Zero Waste Team, Subteam on Single-Use Plastics, is organizing a meeting of Sierra Club Single-Use Plastics leaders, on Tuesday, August 24th (6:30 pm Central Time). This is a meeting for introductions, to share plans and experiences, and to launch a conversation on how the Subteam can be most helpful to leaders’ advocacy and effectiveness. The meeting will provide plenty of opportunity for introductions, exchange, and input. If you’re a Sierra Club leader on single-use plastic in your Chapter or Group, please join us and REGISTER HERE. (Apologies for cross-postings.)
Stay in touch with your legislators. Find discussion points and legislators' contact information on the Iowa Chapter Sierra Club home page: https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa
- Sign our action alert asking your legislators to support a factory farm moratorium
- Read the Iowa Sierra Club newsletter
- Tell your legislators that you want to keep the bottle deposit law working for all Iowans by increasing the redemption fee to 2 cents, by expanding the law to include juice and water containers, and keeping empty container redemption in the grocery stores and convenience stores. The Bottle Deposit Law is Popular. In fact, Iowans support expanding the bottle deposit law to include other beverage containers. The bottle deposit law diverts containers from the landfill and into recycled products. And the recycled bottles and cans provide a clean well-sorted valuable product. Further by encouraging recycling, less litter is strewn across the state. The bottle deposit law even provides spending money to those who collect discarded bottles and cans. The bottle deposit law provides jobs to Iowans who are involved in the recovery process. Iowa’s bottle deposit law has been a success.
- Ask your legislators to support a moratorium on building new or expanding existing confined animal feeding operations. Across the state, Iowans feel they are under siege from an industry that is polluting the air, polluting the water, and destroying peaceful existence in rural areas. That industry is confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Currently Iowa has 3 million people and over 24 million hogs. It is time for a moratorium on building and expanding CAFOs.
- Attend the Lunch and Learn livestream every Friday at noon. See us on Facebook at "Sierra Club Iowa Chapter".
- Attend webinar "The State of Iowa's Waters" by Chris Jones on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 7:00pm -- Dr. Chris Jones works in the Hydroscience and Engineering Department at the University of Iowa. Chris has performed research related to nutrient transport in water. He has a popular blog that discusses water quality issues. Sign up
- See past recordings of our webinars, lunch and learns, and presentations.
Past Actions
Take Action on These Environmental Bills ~ maintained by Jess Mazour, Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club Conservation Coordinator
- Protect Black Bears, Stop the bad bill that bans the sale of all-electric vehicles, Protect the Missouri River Preservation and Land Use Authority, Save Iowa's Bottle Deposit Law, Expand access to the polls, Moratorium on factory farms, Name the Regal Fritillary as the State Butterfly
Blogs and updates:
Update: Save Iowa's bottle deposit law ~ January 31, 2021
Benefit Corporations - A good addition to Iowa's laws
https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa/blog/2021/01/legislation-introduced-allow-benefit-corporations
Update Missouri River Preservation & Land Use Authority ~ January 28, 2021
https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa/blog/2021/01/update-missouri-river-preservation-land-use-authority
Regal Fritillary for State Butterfly
Bill protecting Iowa's black Bears introduced January 14, 2021
https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa/blog/2021/01/bill-protecting-iowas-black-bears-introduced?fbclid=IwAR2ZjtR58giwZdg0LjioiHiGEyNK98lDv3sd1TWY8dijsjEmHxNI8lxk
Legislature wants to ban electric vehicles~January 14, 2021
https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa/blog/2021/01/legislator-wants-ban-electric-vehicles
Earth Day Month 2021 Memories Photo Album
Want to have some fun? Our members and friends tend to care about many conservation issures, are outdoor enthusiasts, are climate change and environmental social advocates, and much more. Celebrate Earth Day all through April, and when you are celebrating, snap a picture of your experiences, then email your favorites to Jeanne at nwiasierragroup@gmail.com. We'll add yours to the album.
2020
Racism is Killing the Planet by Hop Hopkins. (published in Sierra Magazine in June 2020)
"A taste of our own medicine~ Callous disregard for the well-being of another generation is not limited to young people, or to the coronavirus pandemic."
Monday, April 13, 2020: This a "wonderful OPED in the Gazette, by Jonas Magram, who heads up the climate action team for the Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club. He even quotes the rock group the Who."
Resources (Scroll to next segment to find "Calls to Action")
Past Virtual Events:
Earth Day 2020
Dear Friends,
Most of us try to live Earth Day values each day. Marking the official day each year with in-person eco-activities is our traditional method of celebration.
You'e invited help us mark Earth Day’s 50th with a photo sharing campaign!.
Here are the basics:
First, create an eye catching message using any handy materials like poster board, re-purposed yard signs, T-shirts, sidewalks or driveways, with markers, crayons, paint, chalk, or even macaroni, just about anything that can display a large enough visual message to show up on camera or in a video. Create your statement related to our primary focus… climate change… or about nature, the environment, or Earth Day. Don’t let a lack of artistic ability hold you back – just do it!
Then, share the finished product (selfies encouraged!) on our Facebook Group Community page https://www.facebook.com/groups/NWIASierraCommunity, or email to it us at nwiasierragroup@gmail.com, please, because we'll also be archiving them on this website. hen continue the celebration by sharing widely on your chosen social media platforms!
There's no real deadline on submitting your creation. Let's have fun while sharing with the world our collective desire to Explore, Enjoy, and protect the planet!
DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE (DAPL). The forces of climate sanity and rural justice continue to push back against the pipeline company’s insistence that it should be allowed to double the flow of oil across Iowa. Wally Taylor, attorney for the Iowa Sierra Club, today filed a compelling brief with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) laying out the case against DAPL.
Wally points out that, “It is clear from [Iowa Code § 479B.1] that the Board has the authority to regulate the operation of the Dakota Access pipeline. And increasing the pumping capacity and the volume of oil in the pipeline pertains to the operation of the pipeline.”
That nails it. Chapter 479B.1 was added to the Iowa Code in 1995, in part to clarify the state’s authority regarding oil pipelines. I checked the record, and I was one of 97 House members to vote in favor of the bill (HF 303) that enacted that statute. In other words, there was unanimous support for language that makes it clear that the IUB has the authority to require DAPL to file an amendment to its permit.
Wally also shared testimony by Richard Kuprewicz before the Illinois Commerce Commission, which must also approve DAPL’s request. Wally writes, “Mr. Kuprewicz provides extensive detail as to the increased risk from increasing the volume of oil through the pipeline. He also describes the inadequacy of federal regulation and oil spill response.” These are cautionary words we hope the IUB takes very seriously as it continues its deliberations.
| The outlook for communities and flooding in context with our changing climate: |
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Hurricane Dorian made landfall on the Florida and Carolina coast last week after devastating the Bahamas. These hurricanes hitting the coasts and the flooding we saw here in Iowa this spring are becoming the new norms. We are living in a climate crisis which is increasing the frequency and devastation of these weather events. Read more about what that means for us here in Iowa in this powerful new report from our friends over at Iowa Policy Project! |
2019-2020 Get involved by following environmental legislation
The Iowa Chapter tracks environmental legislation during the legislative session and lobbies on environmental bills. See the bills the Chapter is tracking. Details about the bills can be obtained from the Iowa Legislature's webpage
The Chapter encourages our members to attend the Legislator's Public Forums and to ask questions about environmental issues. To learn more about meetings legislators hold with constituents, see "Legislator coffees, constituent meetings, and forums"
For a list of questions, you can ask at forums, see the document "Environmental questions you can ask at legislator coffees, constituent meetings and forums".
Calls to Action!
2019
The Iowa Beyond Coal Team Presents “A Walk in the Park”
Wednesday, August 14th 5pm-7: 30 pm
Lake Manawa State Park Shelter # 6
1100 South Shore Drive
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
We will be going for a walk on the nature trail at the park while we hear how MidAmerican Energy’s Walter Scott Jr Coal plant impacts our community. Please bring a water bottle and be sure to wear sunscreen/bug spray/walking attire.
*Park is ADA compliant but please reach out to Heather Pearson heather.pearson@sierraclub.org if you would like additional accommodation
July 27: Join other progressives during this year's Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement convention. Representative Primila Jayapal will be the keynote speaker. Register today! Save $15 with discount code EARLYBIRD. This coupon ends on Friday, July 12, at midnight! "I hope you'll join us in a few weeks for an energizing, inspiring, and powerful day. We’ll turn the spirit of today into a coherent voice for the future – one that speaks for people and planet, not corporate profits." Hugh Espey, Executive Director.
Saturday, March 23, 10-11:30 AM: Legislative Town Hall-a public opportunity to pose questions to state legislators from Sioux City and area. Held at Sioux City Public Museum, 607 4th ST. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Sioux City, a non-partisan organization.
March 5, 2019
Thanks to all of you who spread the word about HSB 542 and SSB 1221, and wrote, called, or otherwise contacted your Representatives and Senators! We still will need to stay in front of our legislators on these two and several others listed in the Iowa Chapter Bill Tracking link listed above. "Keep the faith"!
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2018
2018 Sierra Club voter guide
From the United States Senate to your local city council, climate champions, climate deniers, and climate disasters are running for office. Now, it's up to us to make sure we're represented by politicians and policymakers committed to tackling the climate crisis head-on.
We are pleased to present endorsed candidates up and down the ballot. We currently have endorsements at the national level (U.S. House and Senate) and are adding endorsements at the local level as well. If you don't see an endorsed candidate in a local race, please check back soon!
If you are not able to vote in this election, you can still participate by sharing this tool and helping us get the word out!
https://www.sierraclubindependentaction.org/
The Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club is hosting a Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice celebration event we're fondly calling
"Family Fun with Green Energy".
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, from 11 AM-1PM, and will be held on the green space of the Sioux City Public Museum.
The event features kid-friendly solar and wind energy crafts, face-painting, educational tables, an electric car display, a solar energy array, a wind turbine display model, and tasty food samples!
Participating in this event are Hog Power Solar, MidAmerican Energy, and Brightside Cafe.
More info can be found on Facebook, sierraclub.org/iowa/northwest-iowa, or by calling us 712.986.6210
The Iowa Supreme Court will hold oral arguments on September 12, from 9:00 am to 10:00, Iowa Supreme Court Building, Des Moines.
Sept 12: Sierra Club Appeal of the IUB Ruling on Dakota Access Pipeline
The Dakota Access pipeline is a crude oil pipeline that slices diagonally across Iowa, from the northwest corner of the state to the southeast corner. The Sierra Club has been involved in fighting the pipeline since its announcement in 2014. Now the fight moves to the Iowa Supreme Court.
Iowa law says a permit for a pipeline can be granted by the IUB only if the pipeline promotes public convenience and necessity. Public convenience and necessity means that the service to be provided by the pipeline must be needed and will benefit the public. The IUB gave no consideration to the need or benefit for the service from the pipeline but based the permit on the temporary construction jobs and the alleged safety of pipelines over rail shipments.
The Sierra Club will be advancing two arguments:
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- The district court applied an incorrect standard of review on judicial review from agency action
- The district court erred in determining that the crude oil pipeline, in this case, promoted public convenience and necessity
The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) issued an Order on March 10, 2016, granting a permit to Dakota Access for the construction of a crude oil pipeline through 18 Iowa counties. Sierra Club was an intervenor in the IUB case and filed a petition for judicial review of the IUB Order to the Iowa District Court for Polk County. The district court issued a Ruling on February 15, 2017, denying the Sierra Club’s Petition. The Sierra Club is asking that the Supreme Court overturn the IUB’s decision and require that the IUB use the correct legal standard for “public convenience and necessity” in their decision. 
The IUB refused to consider whether the pipeline would provide a needed service and benefit to the public. According to state law, a permit for a hazardous liquid pipeline can be granted by the Iowa Utilities Board only if the pipeline company can show that the pipeline will promote public convenience and necessity. Over many years public convenience and necessity has only been applied to the need for and benefits from the proposed service of a public project. Chapter chair Carolyn Raffensperger states “The Iowa Utilities Board did not even discuss the need for or benefits from, the service alleged to be provided by the Dakota Access pipeline. The Supreme Court is being asked to review the public benefits of the pipeline. The Supreme Court will have the opportunity to make the right decision and recognize that the true public necessity is clean drinking water and a healthy environment, not a crude oil pipeline.”
Iowa Sierrians learn more about the effects of Climate Change in Nebraska. Written by Jane Hey, Conservation Chair, Northwest Iowa Group.
Three Northwest Iowa Sierrians, Bob Fritzmeier, Cathy McKnight, and Jane Hey attended the Climate and Crops Family Field Day held at Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord NE on August 14. From attending sessions on Climate & Livestock, Climate & Crops and Climate & You, we learned more about some of the new challenges for farm families. How seasonal temperature changes in different parts of the state have affected the presence of new species of insects that can damage crops and spread diseases. We enjoyed participating in the Northeast Arboretum Walking Tour with Steve Rasmussen to learn about the variety of trees growing there and how Foresters are able to observe and recommend tree substitutions to replace some of the trees that are being attacked by insects or negatively affected by changing climate conditions.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
6:30 p.m. Forum
First Unitarian Church
2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA
Hosted by Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club
Northwest Iowans braved sub-zero temperatures Monday morning and made the long drive to Des Moines to advocate for funding the Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resource Trust. Approximately 300-400 Iowans, including 20+ from the Siouxland area, filled the Capitol building on February 12th. Capitol Day attendees included Northwest Iowa Sierra Club members, Loess Hills stewardship, and protection staff from The Nature Conservancy were also in attendance, as were staff from surrounding County Conservation departments. Legislators were impressed with the diversity of support and we're told a few opinions were changed throughout the day. - Graham McGaffin
February 2018
Hi friends,
Yes, it's still January and it's still cold. Admit it, you're dying to start doing something! For now, creating that 2018 goals list has to suffice.
You know the list:
*Join a sugar anonymous support group.
*Renew your commitment to hit the gym (at least until that introductory membership offer expires).
*Read two books a month.
*Start listening to you doctor.
*Start listening to your dentist (floss).
*Install that remote starter you bought before the first cold snap.
*Save the earth…………
Well, we can help you get started on that last item, at least in this little spot of the earth!
Join us on Tuesday, January 23, and help us develop a regionally focused conservation vision for 2018. Our presentation will target Clean Water/Healthy Ag practices, Loess Hills/Missouri River preservation, Getting Outdoors, Climate Change, Educating Youth, Clean Food, and Legislative involvement. If you see something we're missing, your input is encouraged!
Special attraction: TNC Loess Hills Project Manager, Graham McGaffin, promised to show us a drone-produced aerial video of the Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve!
Program starts at 6:30 PM- 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City Iowa. Come as early as 5:30 PM to enjoy potluck and conversation!
“4th Tuesdays” programs are always free and open to the public.
Sierra Club NW Iowa
Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on their Environmental Vision for Iowa
Tuesday February 27, 2018
5:30 p.m. Potluck (please come as our guests)
6:30 p.m. Forum
First Unitarian Universalist Church
2508 Jackson St. ; Sioux City, IA 51104
December 2, 1-3:30 PM
Inconvenient Sequel-Truth to Power
(and conversation between John Kerry and Al Gore)
Ten years ago, "An Inconvenient Truth" brought climate change into the heart of popular culture. Now comes the riveting follow-up showing just how close we are to a real energy revolution. Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight training an army of climate champions and influencing international climate policy. Cameras follow him, in moments both private and public, funny and poignant, as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with the ingenuity and passion of people like you.
At 1 p.m., we'll watch a conversation between former Secretary of State John Kerry and former Vice President Al Gore at Yale University on October 26, 2017, about actions taken in the last couple of years, including the vital Paris Agreement.
After a short break, "An Inconvenient Sequel" will start about 2 p.m.
Sioux City Public Museum. Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Seating is limited. Street parking around the museum is free on weekends.
November 2017
Thursday, November 9, 12-1 PM: Fund the Trust Lunch-Please join area supporters and local leaders to talk about funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreational Trust Fund. The event will be held at the Family Table Restaurant in LeMars Iowa, 511 Hawkeye Avenue. It is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP: Grant Young (call or text) at 515-402-6715.
October 2017
Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club and the Morningside College Sustainability Student Committee are collaborating to present a screening of Al Gores' An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power at the Sioux City Public Museum, 607 4th St, Sioux City, IA. Al Gore will be streamed live nationwide answering questions presented by viewers from 5:45 to 6:15 PM. The movie will be screened from 6:15 to 8 PM. Doors will open at 5:15 PM. The event is free and seating is limited.
Take a few minutes to listen to Episode 102: Meghann Jarchow, founder and coordinator of the Univ. of So Dakota Sustainability Program, is interviewed by Gerald Iversen: http://simpleliving.startlogic.com/SLW-PODCAST/?p=1783
Bakken Oil pipeline - Click to learn where to send letters and objections.
Clean Water (Nutrient Reduction)
Recycling - Not sure what's accepted curbside, or how to dispose of something? Message the Environmental Advisory Board through Facebook. If you live in Sioux City, call 712.279.0151 to request a pink or blue curbside recycle cart!
Litter - Want to organize a clean-up? We can help! Call us!
Prairie Preservation - The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar was at the end of May! Click for pics!
Local and Natural Foods - Support local producers (Flavors of Northwest Iowa) and shop your farmers markets!
Neighborhood/Community Outreach
Missouri River and Loess Hills Conservation
Download the 2019 Sioux City League of Women Voters Guide
Past activities:
July 6, 2017: Join us to stand in court alongside Water Protector and Land Defender Heather Pearson, who will plead "Not Guilty" to trespassing while participating in a Bold Iowa nonviolent action to stop construction on the Dakota Access pipeline. TRIAL BEGINS: 9:00 a.m. RALLY & PRESS CONFERENCE: 12:00 p.m.
Update on Heather's trial. Jeanette Hopkins reported the despite the excellent work of the lawyer, Heather lost the case. The team plans to appeal. Please read the history of this case here: http://boldiowa.org/2016/11/07/climateemergency
April 1-April 23, 2017: Join Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club and friends in reading The Human Age- the World Shaped by Us by Diane Ackerman. Ackerman is optimistic about the future of the planet and gives us hope that innovators around the world are making a difference, providing solutions today and in the future concerning the environment. "A dazzling achievement" New York Times Book Review and Winner of the 2015 PEN New England Henry Thoreau Prize. Several copies are available at the Sioux City Public Library. On Sunday April 23 at the Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA, from 3-4 PM there will be a book discussion as one of Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club's Earth Day celebration events.https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa/climate-rallies-2017
The Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club has filed an appeal to Polk County District Court challenging the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) for its decision to issue a permit for Dakota Access to construct a hazardous liquid pipeline across Iowa. The case will be heard on December 15, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. at the Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines.
The Chapter intends to prove that:
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Dakota Access did not show that the pipeline was necessary to serve the public;
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the impacts to the environment and the dangers of oil spills are reasons that the permit should not have been granted; and
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the IUB ignored the impacts of climate change.
The public is invited to attend the hearing that begins at 9 a.m.
Begin arriving and assembling outside the courthouse around 8 a.m. with a sign indicating your opposition to the pipeline. If you want, you can stand outside the courthouse all morning. If you plan to go inside to attend the hearing, you will need to leave your sign outside.
Depending on which courtroom is assigned, seating could be limited. Plan to enter the courthouse around 8:15 because you will be required to enter the south doors through airport-style security.
If you are unable to attend, consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your concerns about the impact a pipeline leak will have on the state and why you believe the IUB made a mistake in issuing the permit.
These Last Sacred Waters:
Thousands of indigenous people have arrived at the Sacred Stone Spirit Camp in North Dakota, pledging to protect sacred burial sites and the great Missouri River, these last sacred waters. They will firmly oppose a pipeline that jeopardizes the waters for Standing Rock communities.
Too many of us are looking at water pollution as if it is some kind of future disaster. Tribes all across Indian country can show you dozens of streams and wetlands already polluted from two hundred years of poorly regulated mining and oil exploration.
There are plenty of instances where fracking fluids are dumped in creeks and other streams. But a pipeline burst under a Missouri River crossing would constitute a worst case scenario. Energy Partners has not fully described that scenario and the effect on the communities up and down the river.
Let’s look at the ongoing struggle over Water. The Water protectors are being arrested as they try to keep their water on their landscape. Energy Transfer Partners, owner of the pipeline, is just the latest in corporations and prospectors who are sucking up the resources of the Great Plains. The tribes gathering at the encampments are using ceremonies and non-violent direct action to preserve their rights to water. “Water is Life.” They sing and pray: “Water is life.”
Listen to the engineers pretending to study the impact of the pipeline. Nowhere will you find an Army Corps permit that describes the increasing harvest of native waters by the thousands of Frackers, allied to Energy Partners (pipeline). Anyone can tell you that this harvest of local waters has skyrocketed in less than a decade to the point where North Dakota is second only to Texas in oil and gas production. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other communities are being overrun by oil and gas drilling, all of it requiring great amounts of water and other chemicals.
The present-day “Black Gold” seekers are sinking a thousand wells every year in the region, engineering a glut of oil and natural gas.
Those millions of barrels of oil leaving the Bakken via the proposed Access pipeline will leave behind billions of gallons of water polluted and often injected below the surface. Scientists warn us we must prepare for drought and climate change, but here we are taking Missouri River and other surface bodies of water, polluting them through the fracturing process, and having no use for that water after its industrial function. That so-called “Access” pipeline trades Great Plains water for exported oil.
The sovereign tribal nations see the significance of this water. It is among the last of tribal resources and they are protecting it through non-violence.
Not only are there plenty of private water users competing with the Standing Rock tribe, they must compete for water against the Army Corps of Engineers. To harvest this water, the Corps has been developing a market of “surplus waters.”
Lake Oahe is part of the Missouri River reservoir system, run by the Corps with a blueprint referred to as the “Authorized Purposes.” Just recently the Corps has added to these authorized purposes by distributing “surplus waters.” They still have not set a pricing mechanism. Instead they are giving away these waters at no cost to the oil industry and municipal users. Is Standing Rock in line for some of that surplus water?
In the American West, ground waters are unreliable sources of clean water. Instead people have had to turn to surface streams, reservoirs, etc.
With the onset of climate change, indigenous tribes will be handicapped because oil and gas exploitation will be leaving the tribes with only a remnant of the water they possess now.
Alongside our native brothers and sisters, I pray that appropriate federal agencies and all Americans begin to see water through the prayerful eyes of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. “Water is Life,”
Jim Redmond
Chair, Northwest Iowa Group of the Sierra Club
Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Siouxland Veterans Memorial Bridge.......
"This day, and all of December is most significant for Standing Rock and each of us. Direction of peace and prayer, setting positivity. A non-violent community intention toward sacred elements for the future of all, and that tribal, veteran, and all water protector positions remain safe in action and keeping space for results..... Plan to support a moment of peace~ In quiet balance with recent events. Bring all good words, & energy to share." Valerie Flanagan 