Transition to renewable energy is related to competitive markets, currently favoring oil because of hidden subsidies like eminent domain, established in the Constitution for purposes of public interest and public welfare. Oil used for transportation contributes to global warming and is, therefore not in the public interest and public welfare. Pipelines are not the safest method of moving crude oil to refineries. Pipelines spilled three times as much crude oil as trains between 2004 and 2012 and that rate is increasing and they leak undetected, contaminating aquifers.
We petition for the prohibition of the use of the power of eminent domain for interstate and international crude oil pipelines as a condition of any permit issued by a federal agency or department. By MNDFL Env. Caucus