Purly Gates, a local environmentalist and organizer of the Jan. 17 demonstration against the 430-mile natural gas project, noted that her intent is not a protest, but rather a quiet vigil opposing the pipeline.
Gates said she hopes to make locals more aware of the potential impact the project may have on the environment—including endangered species.
“[We are] trying to raise awareness that, number one: We oppose the pipeline, and we will continue opposing the pipeline, and the pipeline is not good for anyone in this country,” Gates said. “And it’s not good for the planet.”
Gates said she will continue to hold such events before Kinder Morgan starts construction in the area. And though the work has already begun in the westernmost section of the pipeline, which will stretch from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, Kinder Morgan is waiting to begin construction in Central Texas until required permits are issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Also present at the late afternoon vigil was former San Marcos City Council Member Lisa Prewitt, who is now running for the Precinct 2 Hays County commissioner seat, and Kelly Stone, a San Marcos resident and candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission.
Along with anti-pipeline signs, concerned residents passed around a petition letter addressed to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in opposition of the pipeline.
Gates, who founded the organization Clean Energy Now Texas in response to the Permian Highway Pipeline, said there will be another vigil Jan. 24.
