So after the delay of the pipeline announced just a few weeks back, the opposition is facing more struggles. While we have been able to temporarily postpone any progression of the 1,700 mile long pipeline, opposers are warned to to bee too excited.
I came across an opinion based article today that really brought to the spot light the importance this issue has on President Obama's re-election and future popularity. Many Americans seem to be in agreement that this decision of allowing or disallowing the pipeline will determine Obama's success or failure to be re-elected in 2012. Because of this, many are urging him to make a hasty decision. Stating that a republican will almost certainly approve the building of the pipeline, the political pressure Obama has weighs heavily on his mind and in the minds of American citizens.
When Obama made the announcement that pipeline progress would come to a temporary halt, a shocking response happened that made me nervous for the future of our land in both Canada and America. Obama's statement obviously wasn't strong or persuasive enough to leave TransCanada in a panic for the future of the pipeline they have been so hopeful about:
On the day of President Obama's announcement, CNNMoney reported TransCanada's CEO remained confident Keystone XL would ultimately be approved...the legislature used President Obama's announcement to craft a deal with TransCanada that may end up fast tracking the pipeline through Nebraska, the one place in the country where resistance to Keystone XL was the strongest. The smiles on the faces of TransCanada representatives at a press conference last week telegraphed their heady confidence that they will ultimately get their pipeline. Now they're saying they think it is "definitely doable" to start laying pipe from Oklahoma to Texas as early as January.
This leaves many wondering if the opposition is truly powerful enough to take down Big Oil and if the people are even being heard. Moving into the next phase of this battle, it is important for everybody to know what is actually in the pipelines and this article, Looking at the Keystone XL really magnifies the contents of the pipeline. Most people only know of the tar sands in Alberta, but do not know the actual breakdown of how tar becomes to be what it is. This fairly in depth analysis of the materials in Alberta's tar sands opens up new doors for argument.
Furthermore, if TransCanada is still able to hold this much power and confidence even after the strength opposers have been able to acquire over the past few months, does not give much hope for citizens, Native Americans and their lands and environmental groups. However, with the struggles of project Keystone XL and new idea has emerged. It is called the green energy moon shot, which wants to reduce energy consumption by 60%-70%. While it is a huge expectation and goal, the idea of green energy is spreading across the United States.
The pipeline continues to be a teeter totter argument, but hopefully with the power of the opposers, TransCanada can be put to sleep for good.