Who’s Greater Good?

Throughout the Commonwealth Special Town Meetings are being held to vote on a non-binding resolution. So far 20 towns have held these meetings, and so far all 20 have passed. Why such overwhelming support for a non-binding document? Because it is a large, unified statement to Kinder Morgan and Tennessee Gas Pipeline that THEY ARE NOT WANTED HERE.

There is some hope that the pipeline may move out our area, to an area south of us. While for some that may be the solution to their problem, in my way of thinking “why spend the money, take the risk, and contribute to the climate change situation for something we don’t need?

This is THE TIME to start acknowledging that if we are going to save our planet, our civilization and for some, their money, by shifting away from convenient, fossil fuel. Natural gas may not be a carbon source of concern, but it is a part of the carbon process. Where do you find natural gas? In areas where oil and coal are found. When they tap a new oil field, they’ve been releasing natural gas into the air with abandon. When they explore coal mines, they worry about “gas pockets.” Do you believe that is “unnatural gas?”

Recently Pepperell voted unanimously to keep the pipeline out of their towns. Groton also voted nearly animously. There were 423 people in Pepperell who stayed in the heat with broken air conditioners to be heard. At least 250 people showed up in Groton. The little town of Dalton also stood up to KM/TPG to say “NO.” These towns don’t have the ability to vote for the state, but they have stated that in their towns that there is no “Greater Good,” by continuing this damaging, potentially dangerous project.
Kinder Morgan has decided to go to the Federal level to get permission to begin their project before they appeal to the Commonwealth. Why? Because already, with very little media coverage, more than 5% of the towns have already stated their opposition. If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is doing its job it’s SUPPOSED to pay heed to the wishes of landowners who have denied access, to cities and towns that have passed such referendum, and to the amount of opposition that has been voiced against this project. FERC is already under heavy scrutiny for its actions on the southern line, known as the Constitution line, and Kinder Morgan/TPG have been cited with starting their preparations for pipeline expansion without proper authorization.

So who’s Good is this project serving? Not mine. Is it yours? Please attend events in your area, such as Climate Summer’s cyclists coming along the pipeline route. Sign petitions, referendum requests and put up signs voicing your opposition. If you are still unsure, then learn more about the effects of this pipeline. Visit http://www.Massplan.org or http://www.NoFrackedGasinMass.org . Reach out to your state and federal elected officials. It is in your best interest to protect your planet, your neighborhood and your health by stopping this pipeline and progress to alternative, renewable energy. It may not be KM’s great good, but does Kinder Morgan (Fresh out of Enron) really need more “good,” than you do?

You decide and then act!