Many reasons to protest pipeline
Concerning the Sept. 19 letter in which a reader asked, “Why protest a pipeline?,” the reasons are too numerous to list here, but the issues he mentioned brought these points to mind.
The pipeline is tied to hydrofracking, and the heavy industry that would move in once it is in place. It’s not simply a little ditch that is covered up, and nothing looks different.
Some insurance companies refuse homeowners’ insurance, or will charge a higher rate, on properties where a gas pipeline is being put in. Some banks will not give mortgages on properties where there are gas leases or pipelines, since heavy industry depresses resale values.
Local county officials said the pipeline will bring jobs. Did they research this, or did they simply take the word of company officials? Pipeline workers are recruited and imported from areas that already have experienced workers. This influx will raise the cost of housing temporarily — good for anyone who has a place to rent, bad for local people looking for affordable, long-term housing.
The writer mentioned that you can “ride ATVs and snowmobiles over it, and cross-country ski.” True. And the public sees an easement as a right of way and thinks they don’t need to ask permission of the landowner to access the land.
He also states that you can grow crops on it. That is of little consequence on forest land. The pipeline has a 600-foot easement, in which trees may not be planted.
To any landowners who are affected — you can say no. You do not have to allow surveyors on your land, as there is no right of eminent domain yet. And if you have agreed already, you can change your mind.
For more information, there are many websites, including stopthepipeline.org.
Deborah Blue
Oneonta
