Editor’s note: This commentary is by Suzie McCoy, a life-long environmental activist who works in ad sales for Vermont’s Front Porch Forum. She previously taught media literacy courses at UVM and St. Michael’s College in graduate education and environmental studies.
[I] lived in Hinesburg 18 years ago and happily moved back this past October. I attended the recent selectboard meeting regarding the Vermont Gas pipeline and Geprags Park vote. I was not too impressed.
After nearly two hours of thoughtful comments from citizens with valid, well articulated concerns and research, and after both the Hinesburg Conservation Commission and Energy Committee expressed their strong misgivings and disapproval, three selectboard members voted to accept the VGS deal, clearly without considering any of the evening’s discussions.
Tom Ayer’s yes vote was a predetermined decision, as he read his prepared statement from his iPad; he wasn’t planning on being swayed no matter what. The other two yes voters, Michael Bissonette and Aaron Kimball, appeared to be operating similarly. (Kudos by the way to Andrea Morgante and Phil Pouech for their no votes, their research and perspectives, and their tireless efforts to encourage all voices to be heard and understood.)
The town of Hinesburg had the chance to use its leverage as the last needed easement to push for the changed route to protect the park, possible additional compensation, and perhaps to stop the pipeline all together … a major lost opportunity, in my opinion.
The more I learn about this decision, the more dismayed and disappointed I am. Consider the myriad of concerns that have been essentially ignored:
• the continued nod to corporate interests over ratepayers
• open meeting law violations
• induced voltage concerns due to the adjacent VELCO electric transmission corridor
• the failure to properly identify, delineate and get permits for wetlands
• the damage and destruction of protected plant species and animal habitat
• setting precedence with the taking of donated public land through eminent domain
• the dangers inherent in fracked gas pipelines
• natural gas and its link to climate change (and the stubborn resistance to alternative energy solutions)
• and especially the carefully considered and rejected request of the Conservation Commission to at least have the pipeline rerouted around the park (VGS says, no thanks, it’s easier and cheaper to go straight through.)
The town of Hinesburg had the chance to use its leverage as the last needed easement to push for the changed route to protect the park, possible additional compensation, and perhaps to stop the pipeline all together … a major lost opportunity, in my opinion.
I’m grateful to all the courageous voices and work of the Protect Geprags Park group. Please make a donation to help fund the continued struggle for environmental justice – I did!
As the saying goes, if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention!
