I read a recent column by David Owen of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce. I would like to see him substantiate the dollar figure he quoted as to economic benefits to the state. Yes, it will generate some revenues and jobs. But at what costs to landowners and risks to people, livestock and communities.
Look at the money involved in federal tax credits that these pipeline company owners want to harvest. Look at the money behind these companies as well. Recently, a North Dakota senator disclosed that a lot of money for the Summit project is foreign money. It was recently exposed that the Navigator line is backed by foreign money as well. Summit is also paying lobbyist Dan Lederman. This was in your newspaper last week — in another column by a state representative from the Aberdeen area.
I feel this is a prime example of mixture of money and politics, which are the main ingredients for corruption.
The pipeline can possibly be good for addressing global warming, but why the rush? Why not go slow and do it right?
Dennis J. Jarabek
Sioux Falls