Pipeline bill passes despite strong grassroots opposition

April 5, 2018 by Ed Fallon
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Check out coverage of SF 2235’s passage and write a letter-to-the-editor in response. Contact Ed Fallon if you need to know more about what’s involved with submitting your letter. If you know of other news outlets that picked up the story, let us know. As of April 5, here’s the coverage we’ve seen so far: Cedar Rapids Gazette Des Moines Register Mason City Globe Gazette Quad-City Times Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier To see how your State Senator voted, scroll down to page 852 of the Senate Continue reading →

Infrastructure “sabotage” bill to governor

April 3, 2018 by Emma Schmit
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Link to article: www.qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/infrastructure-sabotage-bill-to-governor/article_d94ca722-62b4-5df6-b261-4057c22b4ca9.html Coverage by The Quad-City Times, Davenport, Iowa, April 3, 2018 Those who intentionally damage or try to damage infrastructure deemed critical to the safety and economic well-being of Iowans could face a criminal charge carrying a 25-year prison term and a fine of up to $100,000 under a bill passed by the Senate on Tuesday and sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds. Senate File 2235, which passed 35-13, would pertain to acts of sabotage committed against critical infrastructure or facilities related to Continue reading →

Pipeline sabotage bill sent to Iowa governor; sponsor says it would go after ‘bad dudes,’ not peaceful protesters

April 3, 2018 by Emma Schmit
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Link to original article: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/03/pipeline-sabotage-bill-sent-iowa-gov-reynolds-sponsor-says-would-go-after-bad-dudes-not-peaceful-pro/480319002/ Coverage by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, April 3, 2018 Criminal sabotage of Iowa pipelines, telecommunications facilities, water treatment plants and other critical infrastructure could result in long prison sentences and large fines under a measure the Senate sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds Tuesday. Senate File 2235 passed on a 35-13 vote Tuesday. The Iowa House approved it 69-31 earlier. The Republican-led Senate rejected an amendment that would have made it clear the legislation would not ban picketing or other public demonstrations. Sen. Tom Shipley, R-Nodaway, Continue reading →

First Nation – Farmer Climate Unity March

March 31, 2018 by Emma Schmit
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September 1 – 8, 2018 Landowners who had their property taken by force for the Dakota Access Pipeline have joined with the Iowa Sierra Club in a lawsuit against the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB). They allege that the IUB illegally allowed Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) to use eminent domain to build the Dakota Access Pipeline. Their case is strong and has potentially historic significance. To raise awareness of the importance of this lawsuit, Bold Iowa and Indigenous Iowa are organizing an eight-day, 90-mile march. Fifty Continue reading →

“Stop Eminent Domain Abuse” Roadshow

March 30, 2018 by Emma Schmit
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Bold Iowa and its partners are bringing a community forum to many towns across Iowa. Scroll down to see dates and locations. The community forums will highlight two items: First, learn about the historic eminent domain lawsuit before the Iowa Supreme Court, filed by landowners along the route of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Iowa Sierra Club. For detail on the case, see Supreme Court No. 17-0423. Second, view “Crossing the Divide”, a documentary by Ralph King. The documentary is about the 2017 Climate Continue reading →

Keep the pressure on at the Statehouse!

March 21, 2018 by Ed Fallon
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Our calls to lawmakers are working!  ETP’s bill has stalled, but could come again at any time. Let’s keep the pressure on. There’s another reason to stop this bill. It’s impossible to say for sure, but I’ll bet anyone a dozen cage-free eggs that another oil pipeline through Iowa is under consideration. The mere threat of another round of condemnation for a new pipeline underscores why it’s so important to call, write or visit your state representative and senator again and immediately! Remind them to vote Continue reading →

Laying the ground for another pipeline?

March 21, 2018 by Ed Fallon
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Dear Friends, It’s impossible to say for sure, but I’ll bet anyone a dozen cage-free eggs that another oil pipeline through Iowa is under consideration. The mere threat of another round of condemnation for a new pipeline underscores why it’s so important to call, write or visit your state representative and senator again and immediately! Remind them to vote “NO” on SF 2235 / HF 2394! If this legislation passes, crude oil pipelines will be classified as “critical infrastructure.” That could make it a whole lot easier Continue reading →

Call to Action – Pipeline Sabotage Bill

March 17, 2018 by Emma Schmit
75 comments
Over the past two weeks, calls, emails and meetings with lawmakers have made a huge difference in the debate about SF 2235 / HF 2394 — the pipeline bill backed by Energy Transfer Partners (ETP). SF 2235 passed the Senate in February but HF 2394 has stalled in the House. Now some Senators who supported SF 2235 are having second thoughts. We’re making progress! ETP hopes SF 2235 / HF 2394 will legitimize the Dakota Access Pipeline as “critical infrastructure” because, if the bill passes, Continue reading →

Lobby at Home for Energy Efficiency

March 17, 2018 by Emma Schmit
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SF2311, also known as the Energy Efficiency bill, is still up for debate in the Iowa House. We need your help standing up to this bad bill. From removing energy efficiency rebates to reducing the IUB’s oversight of energy utility monopolies, we know SF2311 will hurt everyday Iowans while creating massive profit for utility companies like MidAmerican and Alliant. It is up to use to kill the bill. Please contact your state Representative and urge them to vote NO on SF2311. You can read the Continue reading →

“Crossing the Divide” Documentary

March 7, 2018 by Shari Hrdina
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A film crew captured this story from the 2017 Climate Justice Unity March. A reactionary Iowa farmer has a change of heart when climate activists march into his tiny town. Disrespect is poisoning American society, jeopardizing informed debate and destabilizing democracy. This is a story about how two groups on either side of the political divide get caught up in a firestorm of disrespect, sparked by a Confederate flag and an attack video funded by a pipeline company. Then, almost miraculously, they find common ground. Their Continue reading →