To The Editor:
On Thursday, February 5, a public informational forum was held at the SVFD Hall where about 180 attendees listened to each other’s concerns, viewed a presentation and directed questions to volunteer citizens knowledgeable about the issues surrounding the fracked gas pipeline proposed for Schodack, Nassau, Stephentown and beyond. It was affirming and energizing to witness the number of residents opposed to this project. A project that would put our safety at risk, pollute our air and water with volatile organic compounds,devalue all surrounding real estate and violate the property rights of abutters to the utility corridor. At a time when renewable energy has gained such momentum, expanding carbon-based energy infrastructure at the expense of the public’s well-being seems rather preposterous. It will take our concerted efforts to defeat the pipeline proposed by energy transport giant Kinder Morgan – an entity that cares for nothing more than profits – and adding to the concentration of wealth into the hands of a few. It is imperative to have our voices heard – there is no other course of action and it must be done in large numbers. So I urge all of us to commit to taking one or all of the following steps –
1. Voice your concerns in writing to FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, www.ferc.gov.
2. Voice your concerns in writing to your local, state and federal elected officials
3. For landowners with property abutting the pipeline route, deny Kinder Morgan survey access. If you already submitted permission, you can rescind it in writing
4. Refuse to sign an easement with Kinder Morgan
5. Display an anti-pipeline sign at your home
6. Share your concerns with your neighbors and community organizations
7. Help out and get involved with an action group in your area
8. Donate money to an anti-pipeline action group in your area.
For more information on how to do the above go to stopnypipeline.org or any other anti-pipeline action group.
Thom Pecoraro
Stephentown, NY