MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Since losing the presidency in 2000, former Tennessee Senator and Vice President Al Gore has devoted his energy to environmental causes. His documentary film “An Inconvenient Truth,” raising concerns about climate change, won an Academy Award in 2007. So his appearance in Memphis over the weekend naturally was a big deal.
Gore was here to lend his voice in opposition to the Byhalia Connection Pipeline project, and give that opposition national exposure. He called the proposed pipeline a reckless, racist rip-off. Very strong words indeed – which will only embolden those who are trying to stop construction.
The nearly 50-mile pipeline would run from the Valero oil refinery in south Memphis through Westwood, Boxtown, and Whitehaven. It would then cut through DeSoto County before ending at another Valero facility in Marshall County near Byhalia.
Opponents argue that the pipeline would threaten the Memphis Sand aquifer that provides our pristine drinking water. Others claim the project amounts to environmental racism because it would cut through predominantly Black neighborhoods.
But pipeline developers insist it is safe and would provide jobs for metro Memphis.
So what this comes down to is a test of wills. Some would say a test of who has the best public relations. Valero and its partners have the federal permits to proceed. But will this project happen? Frankly, at this point, I’m not sure. Stay tuned. And that’s my point of view.