Pipeline Fighters Challenge Utilities Board Conflicts, Decisions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2017
Contact:
Christine Nobiss, 319-331-8034[email protected]
Ed Fallon, Bold Iowa: 515-238-6404[email protected]

Native Drummers, Singers to Rally at IUB to Challenge Dakota Access Pipeline Approval
New concerns raised after IUB chair’s employment conflict unveiled

Des Moines — Recently, Geri Huser, chair of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), was criticized in news stories across the country for doing paid legal work that potentially involves a serious conflict-of-interest with her full-time responsibilities with the IUB.

As chair of the IUB, Huser is paid $130,000 annually. Yet records show she may have earned as much as $200,000 in separate legal work over the past two years.

(Read more: “Top utility regulator keeps busy legal practice on side”: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2017/03/28/geri-huser-iowa-utilities-board-busy-legal-practice-questioned/99743330/)

“This is only the latest problem to surface about conflicts-of-interest among IUB members, along with dozens of concerns over the Board’s handling of its decision to authorize eminent domain to build the Dakota Access pipeline,” said Bold Iowa director, Ed Fallon.

Members and supporters of Indigenous Iowa and Bold Iowa are invited to join a rally outside IUB this Thursday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m. In addition to comments by organizers and a chance for people to speak out, Native drummers and singers will perform, calling attention to the many ways in which the Dakota Access pipeline is an affront to Native communities in Iowa, North Dakota and across the U.S.

WHAT: Native-led Rally at IUB to Challenge Dakota Access Approval
WHO: Indigenous Iowa, Bold Iowa, Native drummers & singers
WHEN: Thursday, April 6, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines

“We want people to come and speak out!” said Christine Nobiss, founder of Indigenous Iowa. “We invite everyone to come and air grievances about the IUB’s lack of oversight concerning the Dakota Access pipeline. Iowans need to continue to speak out about problems we’ve seen and concerns about the cozy, questionable relationship between the IUB and Energy Transfer Partners. We need to be heard so the world can know what a government-backed oil conglomerate is able to get away with in this country. Let’s continue to speak up and demand that in decisions like this, power needs to be given back to the people.”

Fallon continued, “It’s important to raise public awareness about the myriad of concerns about the workings of the IUB, which is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by landowners alleging the illegal use of eminent domain.”

Indigenous Iowa was formed out of concern for the environment and for the future of Earth’s people. Using Native sovereignty and traditional ideologies, Indigenous Iowa works for environmental and social justice, and has established Little Creek Camp near Millersburg, Iowa as a center for thoughtful, prayerful discussion leading to action.

Bold Iowa is part of the Bold Alliance, building a coalition of small-and-mighty groups in rural states to fight Big Oil, protect landowners against the abuse of eminent domain, and work for clean energy solutions while empowering a political base of voters who care about the land and water.

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