Our government is based on the attempt to balance and protect the rights of individuals with the common good. Since 1776, we have experienced swings in both directions and grown stronger as a nation. It is our civic duty to protect both, regardless of party politics. 

In Iowa, we are facing issues such as water quality, agriculture, energy choices and economic development. Making good decisions depends on our right to be informed and media access providing reliable information. How do we balance the common good of safe water, financial security and a healthy place to live for future generations with the corporation’s right to make a profit while using public property? 

The 1,134 mile long Bakken pipeline is proposed to cross our state from the Northwest to the Southeast corner, passing under our rivers and land. The limited liability corporation information and media coverage has framed the discussion simply as pitting environmental concerns against job creation and economic benefits. What has given this drama more depth is the issue of “eminent domain.”

How does state government give an international corporation the right to take and use an individual’s land? How does a profit-driven private corporation, dependent on eminent domain, need only the approval of three people, politically appointed by the governor to the Iowa Utilities Board? How do these three people, in a manner of a few months, determine what is in the interest of the entire public? How do they protect the individual and natural resources? These are legitimate questions, and, just like voting, we need reliable information and time to make a good decision. 

I attended a public meeting presented by the corporation and still have many questions. Public information is lacking concerning corporate liability and exaggerated economic benefits, and the push to have this project approved within a few months seems highly suspect. What is the hurry, as it appears this project will not be good for individual rights or for the common good?