Category Archives: Media

Duke Delays Formal Application — Now What?

On June 29th Duke put the brakes on its Central Corridor Pipeline extension proposal, as it tries to find “the best possible route”. While they are not filing a formal application with the Ohio Power Siting Board until the end of summer, we fear our concerns still aren’t being heard.

Media reports suggest that Duke is not considering major route changes to less densely-populated areas. We believe the company will only make minor changes, if any, and is waiting for the furor to die down. Duke is contacting some municipal leaders in an attempt to smooth some ruffled feathers. We are not privy to behind the scenes negotiations taking place, if in fact there are any.

It is essential that we continue keep the pressure on Duke and State/Local leaders who are not committed to keeping this pipeline out of densely populated areas. Unless they choose to employ another delay tactic, Duke must file their formal application by September 15th.

When Duke files their Formal Application, a new phase in the pipeline approval process begins. During the Formal Application Phase, OPSB continues to accept public feedback on the pipeline. This feedback is combined with testimony from public hearings, later in the application process.

Todd Portune recognizes NOPE!’s efforts as “one of the greatest citizen uprisings against bad decision making…”

We are humbled by the recognition given to NOPE! by Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune. Commissioner Portune, who has been an unfailing NOPE! supporter from the first, describes our work as “one of the greatest citizen uprisings against bad decision making that I have seen in my career in public service.” He goes on to say that because of our effort, Duke Energy has called a halt to their efforts and imposed a delay to consider information that we have brought to light.

Certainly the original Tangleridge neighbors in Blue Ash deserve a lot credit for having the conviction to say “not in my backyard or yours”. They worked tirelessly to engage and inform leaders and citizens across Hamilton County. However, this effort evolved from a small team of individuals, to a coalition of 14 communities uniting against one of the wealthiest, most powerful companies in United States to say NOPE! A pipeline of this size and scale does not belong in our neighborhoods, next to our schools, near our places of worship or where we work and play.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, and need all of our communities to continue to make their voices heard. There are leaders who are hearing us now, and doing everything they can to help. However, there are other leaders who may not understand that we hold them accountable for the safety of our communities. We expect them to be actively involved to insure that if additional infrastructure is needed to meet the needs of our communities, it is developed and installed in a way that actually does meet the needs of our communities.

Read Todd Portune’s Letter to learn more about the work being done to impact the Duke’s pipeline.

Duke Energy Delays Pipeline

Great news for everyone who has voiced concerns about Duke’s proposed pipeline. Duke has indicated they are postponing filing their formal application with the Ohio Power Siting Board. This does not mean they have changed their mind or their plans for the pipeline. However, it may indicate that Duke has actually heard concerns being expressed by NOPE! and members of the communities affected by the pipeline. We must continue to be steadfast in our opposition to any plans that involve dangerous, high pressure natural gas lines through densely populated areas.

Duke Energy Delays Controversial Pipeline – Cincinnati.com 6.29.2016

Letter to the Editor – Northeast Suburban Life

Download copy of article

Writing Letters to the Editor

Why you should write letters to the editor

Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) of your local or regional newspaper is an effective and easy way to reach a large audience, including government officials and corporations, with your message. Here’s why:

The editorial page is one of the most read pages in the paper
Congressional staffers monitor editorial page so they can keep a ‘pulse’ on issues of importance to their constituents
You can reach both a wide public audience and your elected officials with the same effort
They often influence news content when lots of letters on the same topic are written

Here are tips on writing letters to the editor: