More Refinery Opposition in Union County

A second group, "Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution," has formed in Union County to oppose bringing the Hyperion refinery to Elk Point. Google isn't popping up a website for the group yet (someone forward me a link!), but according to that Sioux Falls paper, the group is hitting mailboxes with a flyer claiming that Union County already has higher median household income and lower poverty than counties that have refineries [Ben Shouse, "Second Group Targets Refinery," that Sioux Falls paper, 2007.10.12]. SDSU sociologist Ronald Stover rightly points out that such comparisons are questionable:

"Without both 'before' and 'after' data, you cannot make any judgment as to the consequences of a refinery in a community," Stover said." Their comparisons are bogus -- they are for the most part political statements meant to convince, not inform."

We should definitely think twice before allowing a purveyor of non-renewable energy to come foul our nest just to feed to old-energy economy. The Madville Times applauds anyone with the guts to stand up to Big Oil. We need to be ready, though, to fight the fight with rigorous scientific data. The COOP's claims about economic conditions in refinery counties is likely true; it will be interesting to see what responses they can offer to Dr. Stover and what further information they can add to the debate.

Perhaps looking for controversy, Shouse insinuates that COOP could encounter some conflict with the first anti-refinery group, Save Union County. Evidently they have some vague disagreement about the motivations of each group. But that's just silly. These groups should have no problem keeping their eyes on the prize: a clean, healthy Union County with economic opportunities based on sustainable (and preferably homegrown) industry.