Hyperion Refinery? No Way! 26 Reasons

Kelsey at Dakota Women turns a well-deserved spotlight on "From Z to A," where Union County native Karen Eidem lists 26 darn good reasons for her parents and other Union County voters to say no to the Hyperion refinery in the election June 3. Here's just a sample of Karen's arguments:

Young people

On May 5, the Sioux City Journal reported that many Young People will consider leaving the area if the refinery is built. Of Young people aged 18-24 years, 38% said they would consider moving if a refinery is built. Of Young people aged 25-34, 29% would consider moving....

Oil

Oil is not progressive. We know (and have known for a long time) that we have limited amounts of Oil -- it is a non-renewable fossil fuel....

VIABLE ENERGY OPTIONS EXIST to heat and cool our homes and businesses, to create products, and -- yes -- even to run our cars. But we as consumers need to demand it; we do not need to propogate a 20th century way of thinking and consuming....

Gas Prices

It is all over the news and you feel it every time you fill up -- Gas prices are high. But this particular refinery will not ensure they will go down:

1) The dirty, heavy crude from the Tar Sands is extremely difficult and costly to refine. In fact, the only reason oil companies are pursuing this oil right now is because Gas prices are high; otherwise, it is not worth the cost of investment. Therefore, oil companies need Gas prices to stay high in order to make a profit from Tar Sands crude and it would be better for their profit margins if gas prices go higher.

2) On April 24th on South Dakota Public Television, Hyperion said that there is no guarantee that anyone in South Dakota will be using the Gas they produce. In fact, the only way South Dakota will get the Gas is if the state offers the best contract at the best price.

3) To add insult to injury, many areas near refineries have an extra Gas tax to offset auxillary costs of a refinery. That's what happens elsewhere; will it happen here? [Karen Eidem, "From Z to A: 26 Reasons to Vote No June 3," May 2008]

Still think a refinery is going to save us money at the pump? Think again...

There's much much more at From Z to A, which I highly recommend. Good arguments, lots of links so you can do your own reading, and even colorful yet tasteful typography! And Karen provides her e-mail address, so she's not afraid to put her name to her words and talk to you about the issue. Good work, Karen!