Oil is flowing in the Dakota Access Pipeline, but Iowa opponents still think they can shut it down

June 6, 2017 by Emma Schmit
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Link to original article: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/06/oil-flowing-dakota-access-pipeline-iowa-shutdown/373315001/ Coverage by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, June 6, 2017 Although oil has begun flowing through the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, Iowa activists aren’t giving up their battle against the $3.8 billion project. The 30-inch diameter pipeline started commercially shipping oil on June 1 and has a capacity to transport about 520,000 barrels of oil daily. But appeals are still pending with the Iowa Supreme Court that opponents see as offering glimmers of hope that the pipeline can still be shut down. “If any of these Continue reading →

Spies Validate Our Success

May 31, 2017 by Ed Fallon
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If you spend 20 minutes reading anything this week, let it be this incredible story by The Intercept. In an age when independent investigative journalism is rare and threats against our liberty are growing, this is a must read. The story reveals how a “shadowy international mercenary and security firm known as TigerSwan targeted the movement opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline with military-style counterterrorism measures”. Spying and infiltration focused on pipeline opponents mostly in North Dakota and Iowa. The story exposes how “TigerSwan spearheaded a multifaceted private security operation Continue reading →

Military-style tactics used against Dakota Access Pipeline protesters

May 27, 2017 by Emma Schmit
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Link to original article: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/28/report-military-style-tactics-used-against-dakota-access-pipeline-protesters/351734001/ Coverage by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, May 27, 2017 An international security firm targeted protesters opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline with military-style counter-terrorism measures and closely collaborated with law enforcement authorities in five states, including Iowa, according to a report published Saturday by a non-profit watchdog journalism organization. The Intercept, a publication of First Look Media, reported that TigerSwan, founded by retired members of the U.S. military’s Delta Force unit, was employed by Energy Transfer Partners, the parent Continue reading →

New Iowa Utilities Board conflict revealed as Dakota Access Pipeline request denied

May 21, 2017 by Emma Schmit
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Link to original article: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/05/21/new-iowa-utilities-board-conflict-revealed-dakota-access-pipeline-request-denied/332720001/ Coverage by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, May 21, 2017 Tuesday, the Iowa Supreme Court sided with nine landowners and the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, by rejecting Dakota Access’ request to have the landowners’ lawsuit dismissed. The court’s order reads: “Dakota Access contends this appeal should be dismissed because the appellant, Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, has failed to establish proper standing in this matter and the remaining appellants’ claims are moot. Upon consideration, the motion to dismiss is Continue reading →

June 30: Jury Trial for Iowa Woman Arrested in Dakota Access Protest on Farmer’s Land

May 19, 2017 by Ed Fallon
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2017 Contact: Ed Fallon, Bold Iowa: 515-238-6404, [email protected] Jessica Fears, Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition, 515-450-9627, [email protected] Iowa Woman Arrested Stopping Dakota Access Construction on Iowa Landowner’s Property Taken by Eminent Domain to Plead “Not Guilty,” Citing “Climate Emergency” Justification for Trespassing Bold Iowa’s “Farmer Defense Camp” was established with permission on eminent domain holdout landowner Shirley Gerjets’ property, a first of its kind in Dakota Access pipeline fight Rockwell City, IA — Heather Pearson, a resident of Logan, Iowa and Continue reading →

New IUB Conflict Revealed as DAPL Request Denied

May 18, 2017 by Ed Fallon
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To those who say, “The fight against the Dakota Access pipeline is over, so just move on,” we pipeline fighters and water protectors say, “Not so fast!” Tuesday, the Iowa Supreme Court sided with nine Iowa landowners and the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, rejecting Dakota Access’ request to have the landowners’ lawsuit dismissed! The Court’s order reads: “Dakota Access contends this appeal should be dismissed because the appellant, Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, has failed to establish proper standing in this matter and the remaining appellants’ Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 8

April 30, 2017 by Ed Fallon
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Saturday, April 29, 2017 – Pleasant Hill to Iowa State Capitol (7 miles) It’s just under a seven-mile march from our church lodging in Pleasant Hill to the Iowa State Capitol for the People’s Climate Movement Rally. We set out on schedule and arrive at Sleepy Hollow for our break, just as it’s starting to rain. We know we won’t stay dry for long, but take this opportunity to sit under the facility’s patio roof for our half-hour break. There’s a car out front, suggesting staff Continue reading →

How a confrontation with a Confederate flag compelled two Iowans to find common ground

April 29, 2017 by Emma Schmit
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Link to original article: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2017/04/29/he-had-confederate-flag-they-called-cops/307780001/ Coverage by The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, April 29, 2017 All Darrin Ehret knew was that a group of environmentalists planned to march through Deep River Township and camp overnight in Silverman Park, directly behind his property. “We just didn’t know who they were,” he said. “It could have been anybody.” Word about the march was spreading around town. But details were scarce. And some feared the Saturday evening event would recruit radicals into town who planned to Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 7

April 29, 2017 by Ed Fallon
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Friday, April 28, 2017 – Prairie City to Pleasant Hill (14 miles) Today promises to be the most difficult of the March: 14 miles in cold, rainy weather along a busy four-lane highway. We’re soaked both from above and below, as trucks barreling along spray us when they pass. It’s a testament to the commitment and perseverance of our group that ten marchers make it every step of the way in such conditions. At our rest stop at the 5.2 mile mark, we decide to break into two groups — one Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 6

April 28, 2017 by Ed Fallon
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Thursday, April 27, 2017 – Reasnor to Prairie City (11 miles) The weather has gone cold and damp, with temperatures 20 degrees below average. Days like this give fodder to the handful of people who completely deny climate change, with comments like, “Gee, we could sure use some global warming now.” Yet the vast majority of Iowans know the climate is changing, although there remains disagreement over the cause. My entirely unscientific estimate is that about half the people we’ve met on the March accept Continue reading →