Large meeting of Isle of Wight residents opposing the Exxon/Shell pipeline - Photo: Vix Lowthion

On September 16, a large meeting of Isle of Wight residents turned out to oppose the suggested pipeline planned by the Exxon/Shell Oil oligopoly. The pipeline is to stretch from Fawley, Hampshire, at a government-approved facility on the Western side of the Solent, to capture greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2).

More than 150 islanders packed into the Riverside Centre for the "Say No to the CO2 Pipeline" meeting, organised by the Green Party and supported by various campaigns that have been initiated. A group for concerned islanders has been formed, called SAY NO to CO2 Pipeline across the IOW.

The meeting was so unexpectedly large due to public interest that the start was delayed by quarter of an hour as the venue accommodated attendees by moving chairs into the largest room. Even so, many residents had to stand.

Green Party spokesperson Vix Lowthion gave a presentation about the oil company's plans and some background. She also updated people about the current status and mentioned, in particular, the pressure being put on landowners to allow access for surveying.

The meeting also heard from Councillor Claire Critchison about the establishment of a campaign steering group. The meeting was chaired by Green Party co-chair Cameron Palin. There were many contributions from the floor.

"Exxon's extensive proposals for a pipeline from Fawley across the breadth of the Island will have a devastating impact on our landscape and wildlife habitats," said Vix Lowthion. "The huge turnout at this meeting demonstrates the strength of feeling against their plans and that Islanders are not going to accept the damage to our woodlands and coastal areas. We need to invest in clean, renewable energy - not perpetuate our reliance on oil!"

The concerns are well-founded. On February 22, 2020, a CO2 pipeline in the US exploded leading to mass evacuations and hospitalisation of at least 45 people. NPR reports that, due to the lack of oxygen, "cars stopped working, hobbling emergency response. People lay on the ground, shaking and unable to breathe. First responders didn't know what was going on." The community has been suffering ongoing health effects to the present day [1].

Behind the scheme is the policy of the government and Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, Ed Miliband. Rather than dealing with the energy crisis by humanising the natural and social environment, and changing the direction of the economy in favour of the people, the government has continued to pander to the oil magnates to avoid confrontation and offset their "windfall oil tax" strategy, which the oil companies are trying to evade. The CO2 pipeline is a gesture by this oil company to assist the government's net zero policy with the aim of continuing production of hydrocarbons unhindered. Meanwhile the people affected are being excluded from decision-making. They are determined that they must have their say.

(Source: OnTheWight)

Notes
1. "The U.S. is expanding CO2 pipelines. One poisoned town wants you to know its story", Julia Simon, NPR, September 25, 2023
https://www.npr.org/2023/05/21/1172679786/carbon-capture-carbon-dioxide-pipeline

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