Source of map: https://www.ferc.gov/dela-express-pipeline-project
The DeLa Express Pipeline is a proposed 750-mile natural gas pipeline intended to transport up to 2 billion cubic feet per day from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana. While proponents argue it will enhance energy infrastructure, a closer examination reveals that this project is a false solution to our energy needs, posing significant environmental, social, and economic risks.
Pipelines are notorious for leaks and spills, leading to soil and water contamination. The DeLa Express Pipeline would traverse numerous ecosystems, including habitats for endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker and the peregrine falcon. Disrupting these areas threatens biodiversity and undermines conservation efforts. Moreover, the pipeline’s construction could lead to deforestation and soil erosion, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
The proposed route brings the pipeline alarmingly close to residential areas and public schools, raising serious health and safety concerns. Communities such as New Waverly, Texas, are particularly at risk, with the pipeline projected to pass within 1,000 feet of New Waverly High School. This proximity places students and residents in potential danger zones for explosions and exposes them to harmful emissions from compressor stations.
The pipeline’s route disproportionately affects low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. These populations already face heightened health risks from industrial pollution. Adding another hazardous infrastructure project to these areas exacerbates existing inequalities and perpetuates environmental injustice.
The construction threatens sites of profound cultural significance to Indigenous peoples, including Paint Rock, which houses the largest archive of Native pictographs in Texas. Destroying or damaging these irreplaceable sites would result in a profound loss of heritage and history.
Landowners along the proposed route may face eminent domain proceedings, compelling them to allow pipeline construction on their property. This not only infringes upon property rights but also raises concerns about fair compensation and the long-term impact on land value and usability. Dawson Sodd
Rather than investing in fossil fuel infrastructure that poses numerous risks, we should focus on better solutions that promote sustainability and equity. Investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar can create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide safer, cleaner energy. Additionally, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting community-led energy initiatives can lead to a more resilient and just energy system.
Communities and individuals can voice their opposition to the DeLa Express Pipeline by participating in public comment periods, attending community meetings, and supporting organizations advocating for environmental justice and sustainable energy solutions. Engaging in these processes is crucial to ensure that decision-makers prioritize the health, safety, and rights of all communities.
The DeLa Express Pipeline represents a false solution to our energy challenges, burdening vulnerable communities and ecosystems while diverting resources from better solutions. As the adage goes, “The only pipeline that never leaks is the one that is not built.” It’s time to invest in good solutions that protect our environment, respect community rights, and promote a sustainable energy future.
