John Hickenlooper in Iowa: The case for a moderate problem-solver

January 31, 2019 by Shari Hrdina
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The Denver Post Excerpt: For Ed Fallon, the founder of an environmental advocacy group who attended Hickenlooper’s event in West Des Moines, the former governor’s policies on the environment and drilling are likely a nonstarter. Climate change, he said, is not an issue but a “crisis.” Fallon spoke with Hickenlooper and found his answers on fracking unsatisfactory, but acknowledged the former governor said he’d be willing to take a closer look at Iowa’s particular policies around drilling, land and mineral rights. “It’s going to be a tough Continue reading →

DAPL lion underestimates Iowa Lambs

January 17, 2019 by Ed Fallon
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For those who feel Big Oil always gets its way, think again. In a battle of Lamb vs. Lion (read on and you’ll see what I mean), the little guy and gal just accomplished something impressive. When the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) was still under discussion, most Iowa landowners I met as I walked the pipeline route were against it. In the end, many signed voluntary easements — not because they wanted to but because they felt they had no choice. Dick and Judy Lamb, Continue reading →

IUB holds DAPL accountable on insurance policy

December 28, 2018 by Ed Fallon
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Dear Friends, Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) opponents have had our share of criticism for how the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has often handled matters. Most important, we feel strongly that the IUB never should have issued DAPL a permit in the first place — and we remain cautiously optimistic that the Iowa Supreme Court will concur when it issues its decision on the landowner/Sierra Club lawsuit. But to give credit where credit is due, today’s order from the IUB (see full text below) is commendable. Continue reading →

Reflections on roadkill, life’s meaning illuminate Ed Fallon’s walk against climate change

December 14, 2018 by Ed Fallon
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Link to original article: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/rekha-basu/2018/12/13/des-moines-politician-activist-ed-fallon-found-meaning-walking-across-country-climate-change/2225367002/ Covered by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, December 14, 2018 Excerpt: by Rekha Basu Reflections on roadkill, life’s meaning illuminate Ed Fallon’s walk against climate change Ed Fallon woke up one fall morning in 2014 in pain, on a hard, cold piece of ground outdoors. Lying under a tree stand along a highway west of Washington, D.C., he imagined that the cacophony from nearby traffic was chiding him for being a failure. The activist, former state representative from Des Moines Continue reading →

IUB ruling on DAPL liability (Oct 16, 2018)

October 17, 2018 by Ed Fallon
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STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE UTILITIES BOARD IN RE: DAKOTA ACCESS, LLC DOCKET NO. HLP-2014-0001 ORDER REGARDING INSURANCE POLICIES (Issued October 16, 2018) PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND On March 10, 2016, the Utilities Board (Board) issued its “Final Decision and Order” in this docket, granting a hazardous liquid pipeline permit to Dakota Access, LLC (Dakota Access), pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 479B. Among other conditions, the order required Dakota Access to maintain at least $25,000,000 in general liability insurance at all times while the pipeline is Continue reading →

Jeff Kisling’s Blogs

September 10, 2018 by Shari Hrdina
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Jeff Kisling, one of the marchers on the First Nation – Farmer Climate Unity March worked tirelessly to post a cornucopia of pictures and remembrances of the march in his blogs: The Journey Begins First night First day of the march Second day of the march begins Second day of the march Lee Tesdell on Agriculture Third day of the march begins Fourth day begins Fourth day ends Fifth day begins Sixth day The real sixth day Seventh day On the last leg of the March Giving Thanks Last day of the March

Many steps. One journey.

September 9, 2018 by Shari Hrdina
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Link to original article: http://www.messengernews.net/news/local-news/2018/09/many-steps-one-journey/ Covered by The Messenger, Fort Dodge, Iowa, September 9, 2018 Excerpt: by Hans Madsen, Reporter/Photographer Many steps. One journey. To raise awareness, First Nation walkers traveled eight days on foot to get to their destination, Fort Dodge Jeff Kisling, of Indianola, didn’t count the exact number of steps he took during the First Nation Farmer Climate Unity March on the 94 miles between Des Moines and downtown Fort Dodge. Instead, Saturday found him sitting on a bench in front of the Continue reading →

Protesters begin 100-mile march against Dakota Access

September 3, 2018 by Shari Hrdina
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Link to original article: https://qctimes.com/news/national/protesters-begin–mile-march-against-dakota-access/article_dbb519a2-8765-5aa0-8b87-98e596916eeb.html Covered by Quad-City Times, Davenport, Iowa, September 3, 2018 Excerpt: DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — About two dozen environmental demonstrators are undertaking a 100-mile march in Iowa to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline. The Des Moines Register reports that they began their eight-day trek Saturday in Des Moines. Advocacy groups Bold Iowa and Indigenous Iowa organized the march to show unity against the $3.8 billion, four-state pipeline. Protesters plan to walk 10-15 miles (16-24 kilometers) a day, completing the march Saturday Continue reading →

These Iowans are walking nearly 100 miles to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline

September 1, 2018 by Shari Hrdina
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Link to original article: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/09/01/group-march-100-miles-protest-dakota-access-pipeline/1173974002/ Covered by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, September 1, 2018 Excerpt: by Ian Richardson Walking sticks in hand and raincoats wrapped around their waists, about two dozen people embarked Saturday on an eight-day trek that will take them nearly 100 miles from Des Moines to Fort Dodge. The First Nation-Farmer Climate Unity March, organized by the environmental advocacy groups Bold Iowa and Indigenous Iowa, is said by organizers to be show of unity by opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline. “It could lead to Continue reading →