SCJB 20 in Gainesville broadcast the following news item on August 15, 2016. This shows Sierra Club organizer and OSFR member Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson speaking at the site of the gas pipe storage yard north of Lake City, Florida.
Sabal Trail’s final statement on the video, that “… three years of surveys and studies suggest there is no reason to worry.” is disputed by many environmental groups. In spite of proven inaccuracies and omissions on their Environmental Impact Statement, regulating agencies rubber-stamped the project, whose construction will begin soon.
Watch the video clip at this link.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA — A multi-billion dollar natural gas pipeline is in the works for North Central Florida.
Sabal Trail is set to cover 516 miles, catching the eyes of some people who work to preserve nature.
Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson is a Sierra Club organizing representative.
When she found out a fracking pipeline was approved for pre-construction, she said she couldn’t believe it.
“We don’t need more gas, especially frack gas, because frack gas is what is actually going into this pipe,” Malwitz-Jipson said.
The 3.2 Billion dollar pipeline would run natural gas from Alabama, through Georgia and into South Florida.
She said the line will have a harmful impact on the environment, and that the state should be pushing for solar and wind power.
Officials with Sabal Trail said the construction will only temporarily affect the environment, and won’t have a big impact on its surroundings.
Construction is set for later this month, and while time is ticking, Malwitz-Jipson said she will keep fighting.
Sabal Trail officials said they understand the concern, but three years of surveys and studies suggest there is no reason to worry.