The Keystone XL Pipeline is an extension of the currently operational Keystone Pipeline, and will transport millions of barrels of crude oil from Alberta to the Gulf of Mexico. Crude oil has been unanimously declared the “dirtiest fuel source available on markets today” by environmentalists and politicians alike. It will be transferred through many significant environmental sites, such as the Ogallala Aquifer. However, the expansion of the Keystone Pipeline will drastically boost Alberta’s economic growth, as well as bring revenue to the United States. To build, or not to build?*
NAY for the Keystone Extension
The world is suffering from a seemingly incurable oil addiction, which comes with high prices – the environment suffers from each puff of toxic gas, each tailings pond, and each drill tapping into oil reserves. The Keystone XL Pipeline is no exception.
- Drilling and refining of heavy crude oil releases air and water pollution, polluting ecosystems and harming wildlife.
- The pipeline will cross the Ogallala Aquifer, a massive fresh water resource that provides drinking water for 2 million people, and sustains billions of dollars worth of agriculture.
- The presence of an active seismic zone meeting some sections of the pipeline.
- Even a minute leak could lead to devastation and immense loss of agricultural wealth, leaving millions of US citizens stranded for water, and denting the mid-west US economy.
Looking past the massive environmental anxieties, North American reputation is on the line as well.
- Other world leaders would see that North America is not aiming for green technology, but instead ignoring all the risks to the environment the drilling and refining of crude would produce.
- A 2010 global poll showed a steep decline of Canada’s reputation, and linked it mainly to our environmental policies.
- Loss of popularity among major trading companies could eventually hurt Canadian economic stability.
- Building a massive pipeline over First Nation land is not respecting their rights.
YAY for the Keystone Extension
There are merits in building the Keystone XL extension, the key being economic rewards.
- The Canadian industry earnings would see a 2 to 3.9 billion dollar increase each year with similar growth in the US
- The pipeline would create 20000 manufacturing and construction jobs in 2011 and 2012, according to TransCanada analysts.
HOWEVER
- Keystone XL Pipeline pose rising fuel costs for North Americans. Due to the oversupply of oil to Midwestern America, cheap Canadian crude is being discounted; with the introduction of the XL extension to the Gulf coast, where export is the main priority, fuel prices can only go up.
If you want to quietly protest the Keystone Pipeline, join the anti-pipeline Facebook page, or go to http://www.tarsandsaction.org/ for more updates!
Or, you can support the big oil companies…(THINK OF THE CHILDREN!)
*I’m not being biased at all… hehe… cough.