Neither side in refinery debate expects big-money campaign
Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008
SIOUX FALLS (AP) -- Leaders on both sides of the debate over whether to endorse a Union County Commission decision supporting rezoning for a potential crude oil refinery say they don't expect a lot of outside money for their campaigns.
"I wouldn't be surprised if most of what we get comes from within a 50-mile radius," said J.B. Mercer, chairman of Citizens for Hyperion.
The Hyperion Energy Center would be built just east of Interstate 29 between state highways 48 and 50 north of Elk Point. It would process 400,000 barrels of Canadian crude oil daily.
Both Mercer and Jason Quam, of Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution, have said they would seek ballot question committee status, which allows them to accept and spend larger donations en route to a June 3 referendum on the county's decision.
Ferale Hubbard of Greenpeace said her group will support Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution, Save Union County and other groups. "But we haven't made any formal agreement as far as financing and advertising."
Jim Heisinger of Vermillion, the Sierra Club's Living River Group chairman, said he doesn't expect his national office to take sides or provide money. "Is the national Sierra Club involved with this? No," he said.
Heisinger said he has created a presentation to tell people in Vermillion and surrounding areas about the potential effects of an oil refinery.
Ed Cable of Save Union County said he wasn't sure if he would have to declare his group a ballot question committee or political action group.
"If the law requires it, we will do so," he said. "But we're not going to go out and make a concentrated drive to raise money. That's not how we operate. People who are interested in pursuing our interests will donate."
Mercer, of Citizens for Hyperion, said he plans to send mailings to county voters and possibly hold a public event to share information and register potential voters.
Quam said he already has sent four mailings and might do more.
"We cannot rely on outside sources to get in here and do the heavy lifting for us," he said. "Though there may be quite a bit of money spent by both sides in this campaign, it will largely come down to neighbors talking to neighbors. It's our fight, and we will fight it."
"I wouldn't be surprised if most of what we get comes from within a 50-mile radius," said J.B. Mercer, chairman of Citizens for Hyperion.
The Hyperion Energy Center would be built just east of Interstate 29 between state highways 48 and 50 north of Elk Point. It would process 400,000 barrels of Canadian crude oil daily.
Both Mercer and Jason Quam, of Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution, have said they would seek ballot question committee status, which allows them to accept and spend larger donations en route to a June 3 referendum on the county's decision.
Ferale Hubbard of Greenpeace said her group will support Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution, Save Union County and other groups. "But we haven't made any formal agreement as far as financing and advertising."
Jim Heisinger of Vermillion, the Sierra Club's Living River Group chairman, said he doesn't expect his national office to take sides or provide money. "Is the national Sierra Club involved with this? No," he said.
Heisinger said he has created a presentation to tell people in Vermillion and surrounding areas about the potential effects of an oil refinery.
Ed Cable of Save Union County said he wasn't sure if he would have to declare his group a ballot question committee or political action group.
"If the law requires it, we will do so," he said. "But we're not going to go out and make a concentrated drive to raise money. That's not how we operate. People who are interested in pursuing our interests will donate."
Mercer, of Citizens for Hyperion, said he plans to send mailings to county voters and possibly hold a public event to share information and register potential voters.
Quam said he already has sent four mailings and might do more.
"We cannot rely on outside sources to get in here and do the heavy lifting for us," he said. "Though there may be quite a bit of money spent by both sides in this campaign, it will largely come down to neighbors talking to neighbors. It's our fight, and we will fight it."
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