Elko Daily Free Press 08-07-10

Sierra Club files pipeline appeal

ELKO — The Sierra Club announced Friday it has filed an appeal with the Interior Land Board of Appeals over El Paso Corp.'s Ruby Pipeline.

The appeal is against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's approval of rights of way for the 680-mile pipeline that extends from Wyoming to Oregon.

The Sierra Club is proposing an alternate route along existing roads, railroads and utility corridors that David Hornbeck, chairman of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club, said would add 55 miles to the route.

"The Sierra Club doesn't oppose the pipeline as such and is proposing a better route," he said Friday. "We think our alternative is better."

"This alternate route means more jobs and less environmental destruction," Hornbeck said. "The BLM should not have approved an inferior route and should have looked closer at wildlife and cultural values before making its decision.