Jonathan sent a message to Kelcy Warren – Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Energy Transfer Partners, L. P. Email Address that said:
November 11, 2016
The CEO
Energy Transfer Partners
Dear Mr. Warren,
I am grateful for your attention and time towards my letter. I am an environmental studies student attending Western Michigan University, a lifelong Michigander, and a resident in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As you can imagine, I have a passion for our environment’s health.
If you can recall, on July 26, 2010, a 30-inch pipeline belonging to Enbridge Inc. burst near Marshall, Michigan, about 40 miles from where I live. Remembering how damaging the infamous 2010 BP Oil Spill was and the destruction it caused to the Gulf of Mexico and the land, I was horrified hearing the news of our own spill.
When an oil spill occurs in a water source, such as the Kalamazoo River, the oil disperses quickly, resulting in catastrophe. According to the EPA, this rupture contaminated Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River with more than one-million gallons of crude oil that flowed 35-40 miles downstream. The cleanup was not a simple fix, taking five years and more than a billion dollars. History could have been worse if the oil reached Lake Michigan.
As protests become violent at the Dakota Access pipeline, I feel the need to express my concern. You may ask how this pipeline directly affects me, a resident of Michigan. It affects me as an American citizen concerned about the wellbeing of others and the environment.
I understand the fear and concern from the communities affected by this pipeline. If the pipeline ruptures, the oil could likely seep into the groundwater, creating environmental problems for the community. However, more than just the states directly impacted are at stake. Continuing to source fossil fuels will only accelerate climate change.
What will make Americans realize we need to invest in new sources of energy? Adding more pipelines for oil is not acceptable. I urge focus on new energy sources. The very least I ask for is halting construction on the project.
In the words of the environmentalist Gary Snyder, “We must honor this land’s great antiquity – its wildness – learn it – defend it – and work to hand it to our children (of all beings) of the future with its biodiversity and health intact,” (The Practice of the Wild, p. 44).
Again, thank you for your attention to this letter. I would be grateful to hear back from you.
Respectfully,
Jonathan
