Campbell and Klinker thankful for LEAP pipeline pause, but still plan on doing more for Tippecanoe County
State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) and Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) commend state leadership’s commitment to cease action on the LEAP pipeline. The announcement follows a meeting involving Gov. Eric Holcomb, Senate Pro Temp Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville), House Speaker Todd Houston (D-Fishers), Lafayette elected officials and representatives from Purdue University.
“I’m thankful we’ve been assured that the pipeline will not progress until substantial data exists,” Campbell said. “Democrats have been very outspoken about LEAP at the Statehouse, so I’m glad our concerns haven’t fallen on deaf ears. Even though the pause is in writing, I’m still concerned about the validity of the INTERA study. Members of the community – myself included – still want a study done that’s completely free from IEDC or IFA involvement. The pause is positive since it means there will be no official contracts. During this pause, we still need to address the core issues of transparency, accountability and water management.”
The pause is expected to last until the end of 2024 when the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) completes its study. This announcement follows the passage of a Tippecanoe County Ordinance that placed a nine-month moratorium on large water withdrawals.
“I will continue to be at the table for LEAP discussions to share the concerns of my community,” Klinker said. “As a state representative, I’ve never seen both parties unite on an issue like we have for LEAP. Our city councils, county commissioners and other elected officials have done an outstanding job calling for more research. Locally, people still need an independent, third-party study which I hope will take place in the near future. In turn, I would like to extend my gratitude to Gov. Holcomb, Speaker Houston and Sen. Bray for visiting with our local leaders to determine what the future holds for Tippecanoe County. I will be able to share my concerns on the House floor, so I’m pleased that local leaders had the opportunity to share their sentiments as well.”