STOP the Gorilla!
				C.O.O.P. Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution
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What is C.O.O.P ?

Citizens Opposed to Oil Pollution (COOP) is a cooperative effort of Democrats, Republicans, independents, farmers, city dwellers, business leaders, conservationists, environmentalists, young and old all coming together to question the logic of locating a refinery in South Dakota.  We are not environmental extremists; we are your friends, relatives and neighbors.  We feel that a refinery is exactly the wrong thing to bring to South Dakota.  As we march forward into the 21^st century we would like to see South Dakota lead the way in renewable and alternative energy production, not cling to old polluting technologies like oil.  After all, do you want to see your state look like southern Louisiana without the gumbo? 

If the Hyperion Gorilla refinery is built it will be the largest source of industrial pollution in Southeast South Dakota.  This pollution will be dumped into the air, land and water of the state.  Aside from the environmental concerns, which are great, the refinery will bring a host of social and economic pollution for Union County.  The crime rate and poverty rate will likely go up dramatically from present levels and home values and median incomes will likely go down.  These statements are based on comparisons of counties that currently have refineries.  This experiment has been tried before and it is a rare exception that a community is able to withstand the negative impact of a refinery. 

We have a very good thing going right now in this corner of the state.  Is it worth risking what we have now for the potential negative affects that a refinery will bring to this area.  Is it worth trading prosperity and a clean environment for the false promises of some out of state oil interests?