Just over two years after the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe stood against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), Dakota Access and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Company (ETCO) are already trying to double the amount of dirty oil pushed through it from 570,000 barrels a day to as much as 1.1 million barrels, most of which, experts say, is bound for export. Pushing more oil at extreme velocities through the pipeline increases the risk of rupture. The added volume, roughly equivalent to the emissions from 15 1,000-megawatt coal plants or 20 million cars, will make climate change worse.
If enough of us in Illinois step up, the ICC will be on notice that Illinois does not want more crude oil running through Illinois that would put our communities, land, water and climate at greater risk.
Make a Public Comment
Tell the Illinois Commerce Commission: Don’t approve the Dakota Access Pipeline expansion permit.
There are now over 1,000 comments. Can you add yours?
When you click the link above, you’ll see the comments already filed about this project. To add your own, click the ‘File a Comment’ button at the top of the page. Fill out the required information and in the ‘Comments’ section ask that the Illinois Commerce Commission deny the permit application submitted by Dakota Access and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Company.
SAMPLE MESSAGE:
“I oppose the expansion of the Dakota Access Pipeline because…” and then, in your own words, cite one or more of the following reasons:
- Doubling the flow rate will increase the probability and severity of spills.
- Consumption of the additional volume of oil will produce emissions equivalent to 15 1,000-megawatt coal plants or 20 million cars, which will exacerbate climate change.
- Evidence indicates that DA/ETCO plans to export this crude oil, so Illinois gets all of the risk while these oil companies get all of the benefit.
Don’t forget to click the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom of the form!
Evidentiary Hearing
At the evidentiary hearing, lawyers representing the parties to the case, including Save Our Illinois Land and Sierra Club, cross examined expert witnesses who had already submitted written testimony. From a spectator perspective, it was tedious and difficult to understand. But the support of numerous concerned citizens was noted.