There's a lot going on in the news these days, and I know all eyes are still on Boston. But I want to highlight something timely that's flying under the radar. Transparency is the bedrock of a democratic government, but the State Department and its chosen contractor have been clamming up about public comments on the Keystone XL pipeline. Below the fold I explain what's happening -- and why I'm hoping people will act fast to make sure they extend the public comment period.
The State Department hired an outside firm called Environmental Resources Management to assess the impacts of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which could pollute water sources and cause environmental damage from Canada to Texas. This company has as bad a track record as you'll find in the industry. Its "experts" not long ago gave the all-clear to a Peruvian gas pipeline called Camisea that led to the clear-cutting of a portion of the Amazon and the displacement of local native communities.
Now the company, being paid with your tax dollars, has been refusing to make outside comments on its review of Keystone's impacts available to the public. That's right -- you couldn't read the comment your neighbor, your friend or even your local elected official offered for the record.
A few days ago, according to Bloomberg, that changed. The State Department finally recognized that transparency is more important and valuable than controlling information and announced that it will publicize the comments. It's even considering extending the comment period beyond April 22, which many of you recognize as Earth Day.
Now that we can actually see these comments, I'm hoping you'll sign my petition today to make sure the State Department and Environmental Resources Management extend the comment period, which is set to end Monday. Tell them there's no reason to hide and that we need to know who's saying what.
You don't have to be a Democrat, a Republican or anything else to believe in the importance of transparency. We don't have an Official Secrets Act or special immunity for well-connected companies. In the United States, everyone is supposed to be treated equally. That only happens if we stay vigilant and make our voices heard.
If this is important to you, sign my petition today to make your voice heard on Keystone XL and the need for timely, open debate. Say loud and clear that important decisions affecting millions of people shouldn't be made without public scrutiny.
Our thoughts are all with the people of Boston today. It doesn't feel like a time for politics. But Keystone is moving forward, and there's only so much time to make our stand on a project that will define the shape of the Midwest and a great deal of our economy for years to come.
Thanks so much for all you do. Democracy doesn't work without you.
(I originally posted a similar diary yesterday morning, and several commenters suggested I repost today. If this looks familiar, you're not losing it just yet.)