The effects of the October 31st Colonial Pipeline explosion may reach much farther than the 31 acres of Alabama wildlife damaged by the fire. The winds of change could blow 1400 miles northwest to the "water protectors" at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, North Dakota. But to what effect?
The Sioux and their allies say that the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) not only cuts through sacred ground and burial sites, but also poses a strong environmental hazard to the Missouri River, a main source of water for millions in the area. But gas prices have been threatening to rise. And with Alabama's aptly timed pipeline explosion, that rise is guaranteed.
Last Monday's incident was Colonial's sixth government-documented leak this year. Gasoline costs had already increased by Tuesday. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley warned that the gas shortage could possibly be as bad as Colonial's September gas leak. "You could see the results of what happened last time," Bentley said. "It affects not only Alabama but states all up and down the eastern seaboard."
However, gasoline is not everyone's first priority. Many believe that clean drinking water takes precedence. At a time when media coverage of the Standing Rock protest is rising, public support of the Dakota Access pipeline is plummeting. Videos show "less than lethal" military aggression against the Sioux.
Sympathizing citizens from all over the country are gathering to "Stand with Standing Rock." Even celebrities such as Dave Matthews and Shailene Woodley have made serious efforts to raise awareness on behalf of the water protectors.
The international banks funding DAPL might not even make a profit in the face of the evolving energy industry. The object of business is to pacify the elite clientele whenever a cabal of banks gets involved. Citibank, Goldman Sachs, et al. prioritize monopoly over immediate profit. As usual, humanitarian and environmental concerns do not even register on their radar.
That's why it's up to us to decide what happens. Click the link below to see a few of your options.
