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Pipeline issue still being fought, help needed TO THE EDITOR: We moved to Wilkes County and started our Angus operation in 1998. As tax-payers and private landowners, we are opposed to Elba's proposed natural gas pipeline because [we believe] it provides no benefit to our area. Its sole purpose is to avoid tariffs in order to increase profits... for foreign oil companies. [In our opinion] this is a pipeline about greed, not need. We have been part of and supported LEEP (Landowners for Environmental and Economic Protection) since the group was established two years ago. LEEP's attorneys have taken every step in the complicated process set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission… an independent Federal Agency funded by the energy industries it regulates. Our involvement has opened our eyes to the fact that we can own land and pay property taxes but at any moment our land can be condemned by agencies like FERC. The sad truth is that this current attempt of condemnation by eminent domain is solely to increase profitsfor two private companies at private landowners' expense. Landowners in this area were told quite bluntly by the project manager and the ROW supervisor that purchasing the ROWs would be the cheapest part of the project. We are also aware that historically, one condemnation for a ROW attracts another. Our rural lifestyle is not as valued by others as it is by us. Presently, LEEP's motion for rehearing before FERC remains "stayed." Pipeline ROW field agents are using this time to try to acquire as many easements as possible even though Elba can not start the project until LEEP's motion is addressed. If the motion is denied, LEEP's attorneys will appeal in federal court. The pipeline's greatest strength lies with naive, complacent, and uninformed landowners who believe and accept without question the well-scripted rhetoric of pipeline representatives who do not present all of the facts. All landowners should ask ROW agents about the status of the appeals before FERC regarding this pipeline (and not be surprised if the answer is they don't know anything about it.). Also all should ask for everything being promised to be put in writing to review, or ask to tape the discussion. But no one should agree to sign anything at this point. LEEP's greatest strength is a coalition of united landowners opposing this unnecessary pipeline. More than 50 impacted landowners have taken a stand morally and financially and supported this effort. At this point, LEEP is the only landowner group that is recognized as an intervener. We encourage all affected and conscientious landowners to support LEEP. Donations may be made payable to: "DHBB Trust Acct 3090-002" … then mailed to: DHBB; Suite 1700; 260 Peachtree St NW; Atlanta, GA 30303.
Again, this issue has not yet been decided … We hope you will join us in supporting LEEP, the only organized and recognized voice defending private property rights against this unnecessary pipeline.
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