So recently I read about tar sand issues in South Portland. Not only did I read them, but I also had a chance to advocate against them. I learned that oil companies in South Portland want to create an oil line that exports oil from South Portland to Canada.Yet, the oil pipes are old and thin while the tar sands are thick. The pipes go directly through Sebago Lake which is the main source for many communities. If the pipes were to burst, then the lake would be infected and many people would lose their water source. Also, exporting tar sands would cause more air pollution and create more toxic chemicals in the city.The project would create two new 70-foot smokestacks that would be near locations like Bug Light and a children's daycare. Basically the idea of exporting tar sands has more cons than pros and should no be allowed.
"The oil industry is making false claims and misrepresenting the scope and effect of the ordinance."
It's crazy to think that these large money making industries would be so selfish as to create false claims about the situation. If the system works well now, then why change it? More people will be affected if we DO export tar sands than if we don't. The risk is too great for the reward.
I agree that the risks are far greater than the rewards. I wonder how many people actually know the facts about the issue, especially those who are against the ordinance.
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard to know what's actually going on when both sides are accusing each other of telling lies. I definitely think that these smokestacks and pipes are a bad idea and should not be allowed; it's just a question of whether or not the Ordinance is protecting the environment without significantly hurting the community.
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