There is nothing more innocent
than the still-unformed creature I find beneath soil,
neither of us knowing what it will become
in the abundance of the planet.
Photo courtesy of John M. Jennings, 2015
It’s Day 18 of NAPOWRIMO and today’s challenge is to write a poem of warning. It could be about something fictional, mythical, historical or real.
I decided to go for the real as there is a real threat right now to the pristine lands of the Big Bend Area of Texas—a natural gas pipeline.
Confused by the who, what, where of it all, instead of writing a poem of warning, I’ve posted some informational links about the pipeline. This is not an exhaustive list—but a start.
San Antonio Express News: Pipeline Bound for Pristine Big Bend
San Antonio Express News: Big Bend ranchers, landowners will fight planned pipeline
Houston Chronicle:Pipeline plan raises hackles in land-loving Big Bend
Marfa Public Radio: Opposition to Trans Pecos Pipeline Gets Underway in the Big Bend
Fox Business: Big Bend ranchers, landowners will fight planned natural gas pipeline to Mexico
Big Bend Now: Opposition grows to the Trans Pecos Pipeline
Texas Standard: New Border Pipeline Creates an Array of Issues
Newswest9.com:Two Natural Gas Pipelines Headed to West Texas
Alpine Avalanche: Residents pack pipeline meeting
Midland Reporter Telegram: Big Bend pipeline proposal has residents riled up
Hudspeth County Reporter:Survey Work Begins for New Natural Gas Pipeline Through Hudspeth County
And check out the Big Bend Conservation Alliance’s FB Page for updated info.
The flip side of the conservation argument is that the pipeline will bring jobs.
“In a fact sheet issued last week, Energy Transfer said the pipeline will provide millions of dollars of financial benefits to local communities in construction jobs, goods and services and taxes.”
I’m skeptical and believe that the damage to our natural lands will be irreversible and will outweigh the financial benefits to our communities. As a consequence, I’ve signed the petition to Reject the Waha-Presidio Texas to Ojinaga-El Encino Mexico Pipeline and I hope you will too. Deadline is May 5, 2015.
Alice-Catherine 