Oil pipeline fears are unfounded
A U.S. Department of Energy study released this month projected gasoline prices to stay high through the end of 2012.
The culprit? The moratorium and then delays in issuing permits for new offshore drilling will cause U.S. oil production to decline next year — just when we particularly need it. What we did last year will cost us at the pumps next year.
The oil brought to us from Canada by the Keystone XL pipeline would not reduce prices for two or three more years, when this safe source of hydrocarbons would substantially increase U.S. gasoline supplies.
Objections to the pipeline have never amounted to much and seem to stem from ideological hostility to fossil fuels rather than sincere safety concerns.
Keystone XL crosses a very short tract at the northeastern edge of the Sand Hills. A pipeline has carried Wyoming oil across a similar sized corner of the southwestern Sand Hills for the past 60 years.
If the pipe leaks, the heavy crude would not flow far. Even in the unlikely event it reached groundwater, it would flow east or northeast, away from the Ogallala Aquifer.
It’s time to stop thinking small-time and short-term. End the debate and approve Keystone XL.
Gerard Harbison, Hallam, Neb.
Why no tribute to Rosenblatt?
How come there is no street around north downtown Omaha’s new TD Ameritrade Park named after Rosenblatt Stadium?
Naming a street for the stadium that was the home of the College World Series for the past 61 years seems like a no-brainer to me.
Gardner Broadbent, Council Bluffs
Flood control is No. 1 priority
I know hydrology is not an exact science; however, when I see snowfall estimations so far off the mark, I can only conclude that a policy change by the Army Corps of Engineers should be considered.
That change would be to increase the flood control zone along the Missouri River and to decrease the multiple-use pool of the reservoir system.
I’d think after the devastation we have seen along the Mississippi River this year and the potential for that same scenario along the Missouri River, it would only make sense for an increase in the flood control zone of the system.
Flood control must be the No.1 priority of this system. The possible loss of life and personal property associated with flooding far outpaces any other considerations of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Runoff is now forecast to be 58 percent more than was forecast in January. As a result, we’re one large rain from disaster.
This disaster could have been lessened by increased releases in late winter and early spring. It is obvious that a change must be considered.
Tom W. Mackland, Crescent, Iowa
Lowering speed limit is safer
Living close to Nebraska Highway 370 in Sarpy County, I am aware of yellow-light and red-light runners on a daily basis, as reported in a May 12 news story, “Yellow light isn’t license to floor it.”
One solution to the problem would be a lower speed limit on Highway 370 between 48th Street and the Kennedy Freeway.
Since it’s a state highway, the 60-mile-per-hour speed limit is imposed by the state, and Sarpy County has no jurisdiction.
We need some help in getting state regulators to look into this before more people are killed or seriously injured in this highly congested area.
Donald Soesbe, Bellevue
Gronstal is right on tax policy
To know the real difference between Republicans and Democrats, look no further than the recent back-and-forth politics between Iowa Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, a Democrat, and Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican, over taxes.
Sen. Gronstal worked with House Republican leaders to expand a tax cut for the middle class.
Gov. Branstad vetoed that section out of the final bill because it helped the little guy and not his millionaire donors.
It seems Sen. Gronstal is the only one looking out for my family and the people in my neighborhood.
Marsha J. Abercrombie, Glenwood, Iowa
Energy is free from the sunshine
We just moved to Omaha from overseas and are in awe of all of the God-given sunshine and wind here. There is plenty of natural, free, non-polluting energy. We are crazy not to harness it.
Tim Adams, the Omaha homeowner in Robert Nelson’s May 6 column, should start a fund to help pay for the momentous victory he will achieve with the solar panels on his home. I would contribute!
There are many housing covenants, similar to those Adams has, that need to be changed to help our environment. Allowing solar panels is a great place to start.
Gone are the days of snobbery and waste. Bring back the clothesline, wind generator and solar panels.
Perhaps, Adams could tell us where he found his solar panels and how we could install panels on our homes. I might need his help fighting my own outdated homeowners association.
Heather Gladney, Papillion
Proud of scouting background
Patricia Ohlmann’s April 7 letter that said perhaps being an Eagle Scout should be a requirement for anybody who runs for Congress.
I love her idea, except the only requirement in the Constitution to seek office is to be at least 30 years old for the Senate and 25 years old for the House, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years for the Senate and seven years for the House and living in the state where elected.
While the Boy Scouts of America isn’t really a religious organization, as some believe, Boy Scouts are known for being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
Scouts attest with an oath to do their best to do their duty to God and their country, to obey the scout law, to help others and to keep themselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
The Eagle Scout is the summit of scouting. Although I am not planning to run for Congress any time soon, I am very proud of being an Eagle Scout since 1962.
Larry L. Kennedy, Omaha
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