Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00479 

Received: 1/28/2021 2:19:05 PM
Commenter: Carolyn Borg
Organization: 
State: Utah

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
I appreciate the work that went into preparing this DEIS. However, I vigorously oppose this proposed "fossil foolish" railroad line, regardless of which route may be chosen. The No Action Alternative is the only appropriate course of action. At a time when climate change impacts are worsening, and we need to speed the transition away from fossil fuels, this project would be a huge step backwards. It would encourage the expansion of fossil fuel extraction, transportation, and burning. The health of the public, along with the health of public lands and resources, would all suffer over the long-term to increase the short-term profits of fossil fuel interests. I am sick and tired of the corrupt companies and their Republican politicians that always put private profits over the public interest. Indeed, Utah politicians may have illegally diverted community impact funds (meant to mitigate harm) to promote this project (to increase that harm) and its associated NEPA. This is outrageous!The federal decisions during the Trump administration to proceed with this project and to prepare the DEIS should be thoroughly investigated under new Executive Order 13990. And because BLM approvals would be needed, this project may also fall under the new Interior Secretarial Orders 3394 and 3395. It is imperative that new Biden administration officials take a "fresh look" at this project and the adequacy of the DEIS. In my view, the best outcome to save further staff time and public expense would be to simply deny this application. Public funds should be spent to advance clean alternative energy sources, not to promote regressive projects that would harm the public. We must not waste more time or money on repeating past mistakes. Thanks for considering my comments. Carolyn Borg St George Utah