Pipeline for Life

I was in Ohio after the big snowstorm a couple of weeks ago.  There were at least 3 feet of ice/snow on the sidewalk.  As my host drove me around, we talked about the possibility of flooding once the weather become warmer.  I just came in from California where there is a drought.  What if we could find a way to catch the extra water from states that have the over abundance of snow and transport the water to states that need the water? 

By now, most people have heard of the Keystone Pipeline which is a proposed 1,179-mile (1,897 km), 36-inch-diameter crude oil pipeline beginning in Alberta, and extending south to Nebraska and eventually all the way to Texas.  One of the main purposes of the pipeline is to transport oil from Canada to refineries in the U.S.  The cost would be approximately $7 billion.  Of course there are economic, political and environmental issues that are being debated on this project.  The big questions for me are: Who stands to benefit financially from this project?  And at what cost to the land and communities that the construction of this project would disrupt?  What will be left behind when the oil runs out (and it will)? 

What if we use the same financial and human resources to build a pipeline to transport water from states with the abundance of snow, to states that are suffering from drought? If we can figure out how to extract oil out of sand, we can figure out how to capture the extra water when the snow melts in spring.  We can create a switching system that would divert water to the places where it is needed most.  If the pipes are damaged and leaks, no harm would be done—it’s just water. 

I know I am dreaming. The point I want to make is that we have a choice in how to use our resources.  I am proposing that we choose to invest them in life-giving sustainable projects.  Can someone propose to build a pipeline for life?

Reflection Questions for 1st Sunday in Lent (Year A) Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7    How does it mean for your eyes to be opened? Psalm 32  What does this psalm say to you about confession of sin? Romans 5:12-19   How does this text help you understanding the role of Jesus? Matthew 4:1-11   What can you learn from Jesus about facing temptation?

Eric H. F. Law
Kaleidoscope Institute
For competent leadership in a diverse changing world
www.kscopeinstitute.org