Keystone Oil Sands Pipeline Update
A rundown:
- The proposed pipeline would run 1700 miles from Canadian tar sands through the US to refineries on the Gulf Coast
- Construction would take ~2 years, running pipeline from Alberta, through the center of the US, to the Gulf
- Production rate of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, expected to be in operation for 100 years
Proponents claim the pipeline will reduce US reliance on oil from unstable, war-torn Middle Eastern countries, create 10,000 jobs, and generate 20 billion dollars of revenue for the US.
Opponents take exception to the proposed route (laying 1700 miles of pipeline through many sensitive, undisturbed areas), potential for environmental problems and spills throughout the lifetime of the lengthy pipeline, and the fact that generating usable oil from tar sands requires significantly more energy (5-30% more than conventional oil), and creates more toxic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently, the most troubling aspect is that congress has repeatedly tried to rush President Obama’s decision on the project. Whether the project gets approved in one form or another, the decision cannot be made without an intense review of the impacts. Tax legislation passed today included a clause that will require President Obama to make a decision within 60 days.
Stay informed and stay tuned to see how President Obama responds.
Tar Sands Action.org
CNN 12/23/11: Keystone oil sands pipeline: Obama’s hot potato
