I was saddened but not surprised to see the article in the B section of Star Tribune on Saturday. 5000 trees chopped, bulldozed and Caterpillared out of  the earth to make way for an gas pipeline that will extend through the heart of Lake Rebecca Park Reserve near Corcoran.

We all know the ‘Natural Resource Extraction Party’  are the most environmentally challenged peoples in history. The republicans love to weaken legislation on the endangered species act, spend billions of mining, gas, and oil lobbyists, and often times are the shadowy figure behind the efforts of massive transportation projects(Hwy 212 near Chaska, the new Northstar line, and all the Land For Sale signs along Hwy 94 heading to St Cloud.

This latest eco-assault lays within the boundaries of Lake Rebecca Park Reserve. Its only 4.25 miles long and the pipeline itself is only 16” in diameter. However, This country is obsessed with energy and we are having population sprawl, so to meet those demands, these Republican Energy Projects(REP’s) tend to be under the radar from the public view.

So that is why it surprised me to see it as a major article. Finally, an environmental story that is more important that border fences, abortion and troop surges.

Utility companies, if you noticed, love to clearcut  anything that may remotely harm overhead powerlines, underground gas pipelines or new railroad projects.

The sad part is that the utility company that’s behind this project wanted to keep it under the radar from the public view. They know how powerful we can be in stopping such projects from beginning. Georgie Bush knows this all too well. He was the most sued president from environmental groups in the history of this divided country.

The biggest reason why the Natural Resource Extraction Party lost in 2008 was because of 2 reasons: they are distant with African Americans/Native Americans, and they are distant with concern for the well being of this earth. If those 2 sectors are not identified and given some respect, they will be doomed again in 2012. Because the environmental sector is a big force. Sort of like the gun lobbyists or the atv/snowmobile groups. They have some clout.

Anyhow, instead of asking Sarah what magazines she reads, ask her about the Endangered Species Act, CO2 emissions, bike transit, Wilderness vs Development issues.

Heres the article..you decide. Again, 5000 trees gone in a heartbeat.

Northern Natural Gas spokesman Mike Loeffler said the company attempts to reduce tree loss.

The worst job in america must be public relations for an energy or utility company.

MSNBC 100 Heartbeats