Gasoducto: Puerto Rico’s Pipeline Project Is Dead- Gutierrez Proud to Have Played a Part
Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL), reacts to the breaking news that the permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was withdrawn for the massive natural gas pipeline project in Puerto Rico known as the Gasoducto or Via Verde Project. The head of the Puerto Rico electric power authority (PREPA) made the announcement today, effectively killing the project. Rep. Gutierrez was an outspoken critic of the project because of the potential for environmental disaster and for the manner in which it was being pushed through by the Puerto Rican government. He gave several speeches in the House of Representatives to bring national attention to the issue, filed FOIA requests and questioned regulators to shine a spotlight on the process, and helped galvanize opposition to the project. The following is a statement by Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez:
When an embattled politician wraps up so much of his political ambition in a massive public works project, it can be harder to kill than a vampire, but this is the final stake through the heart. Fundamentally, the Governor of Puerto Rico was willing to risk the lives of the Puerto Rican people as well as the environment, economy, and future of the island to line the pockets of his cronies and supporters. Now a month before Election Day, the unpopular Gasoducto project is like an albatross around the neck of the Governor and he is cutting his losses. By exposing the Governor’s lies and unmasking the truth about this project, I am proud I played a role in helping the people of Puerto Rico derail this runaway train to nowhere.
The Puerto Rican people resisted the construction of the massive pipeline because it was never needed, could never become fully functional, and risked ruining the precious natural beauty of Puerto Rico while driving people from their land. All of the evidence indicated a tremendous risk to endangered species, fresh water, and the island’s delicate terrain and a huge risk to the people of Puerto Rico from spills, explosions, or other disasters.
The Puerto Rican people also resisted the manner in which the Tea Party Governor and his regime pushed this project even after the people turned against it. From the outset, there was no transparency or legitimate opportunity for public comment. It became a quagmire of sweetheart deals to help wealthy political allies and questionable regulatory shortcuts to gloss over the environmental risks.
Government in secret to benefit the few at the expense of the many is not the Puerto Rican way. I am glad the power authority (PREPA) came to its senses and that the application has been withdrawn.
Congratulations to the people of Puerto Rico. Congratulations to the dedicated advocates, lawyers, law-makers, and individuals who fought against this injustice. Casa Pueblo, the ground breaking environmental advocacy group in Adjuntas, was heroic in its dedication to justice and kept fighting until justice was won.
Published in HS News Network
2012-10-12 03:20:25
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,708,893,361 |
| Stories: | 8,451,476 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
