The Keystone XL Pipeline - Important History

The Keystone XL Pipeline was a proposed crude oil pipeline project intended to transport oil from Canada to the United States.

This pipeline has made a lot of headlines over the years and has created a lot of controversy.

The Keystone XL pipeline has been a highly contentious project that aims to transport crude oil from the tar sands of Alberta, Canada, to refineries in the United States, extending to Steele City, Nebraska. Proponents argue that it would enhance North American energy security, create jobs, and support economic growth. However, the project has faced significant opposition due to environmental concerns. Critics highlight the potential for oil spills, the destruction of ecosystems, and the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the extraction and use of tar sands oil, which is one of the most carbon-intensive forms of fossil fuel. The pipeline has also been a flashpoint for broader debates about climate change policy, indigenous rights, and sustainable energy practices. After years of legal and political battles, President Joe Biden revoked the pipeline's permit in January 2021, citing climate change concerns, effectively halting the project's development.

Here's a brief history of the project and the actions taken by the George W. Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations:

Proposal and Early History of Keystone XL Pipeline

  • The Keystone XL Pipeline was first proposed in 2005 by TransCanada (now TC Energy) as an extension of the existing Keystone Pipeline system.
  • The project aimed to transport crude oil from the oil sands in Alberta, Canada, to refineries in the Gulf Coast of the United States.
  • The pipeline's proposed route crossed several states, including Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
  • The initial proposal faced regulatory reviews, environmental assessments, and public hearings.
Keystone XL Pipeline

Bush Administration

  • During the Bush administration, the initial phases of the Keystone XL Pipeline were reviewed and approved.
  • In 2008, TransCanada applied for a permit from the U.S. Department of State to build and operate the pipeline.
  • The State Department, responsible for reviewing cross-border pipelines, conducted an environmental review and issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2010.
  • The EIS concluded that the project would have limited environmental impact, but it attracted criticism from environmentalists and affected communities.
  • In January 2009, prior to the completion of the EIS, President George W. Bush's administration issued a presidential permit for the construction of the initial Keystone Pipeline, which connected oil sands in Alberta to refineries in the Midwest United States.
  • The approval and construction of the initial Keystone Pipeline under the Bush administration were separate from the subsequent Keystone XL Pipeline project.
Oil Workers and Pipeline

Obama Administration

  • During the Obama administration, the Keystone XL Pipeline became a subject of intense debate and controversy.
  • In 2010, the State Department, responsible for reviewing cross-border pipelines, issued a positive environmental assessment of the project.
  • However, concerns were raised by environmentalists and affected communities regarding the potential environmental impacts, particularly on carbon emissions and water resources.
  • In 2015, President Obama vetoed a bill passed by Congress that would have authorized the construction of the pipeline.
  • The Obama administration raised concerns about the pipeline's impact on climate change and emphasized the need for a thorough environmental review.
Keystone XL Pipeline Protest

Trump Administration

  • In 2017, shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum inviting TransCanada to reapply for the Keystone XL Pipeline permit.
  • In March 2017, the State Department granted a permit for the construction of the pipeline, overturning the previous decision made under the Obama administration.
  • However, legal challenges and opposition from environmental groups delayed the project's progress.
  • Construction began in 2020 after legal issues were resolved and the Trump administration provided support for the project.
Oil Worker Silhouette

Biden Administration

  • On January 20 2021, President Joe Biden revoked the presidential permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline on his first day in office as part of a broader executive order addressing climate change.
  • The Biden administration cited concerns about climate impacts and the project's inconsistency with the administration's environmental and climate goals.
  • Revoking the permit effectively halted the construction of the pipeline.
  • The decision faced criticism from those who believed the project could create jobs and enhance energy security but was applauded by environmental activists.
Oil Production

Latest Updates?

On June 9, 2021, the Keystone XL project was abandoned by its developer TC Energy. At the time of the project's cancellation, only about 8% of the pipeline had been constructed.

This is an example of how activism by environmentalists over many years can have an impact. Although proponents of the pipeline claim it will create jobs, the reality is that many more jobs can be created by renewable energy. Also, if the pipeline were constructed there would have only been a small number of permanent jobs to operate it.

Renewable energy projects have the potential to create long-term employment opportunities in manufacturing, installation, operations, and maintenance.

The reality is that transitioning to renewable sources could generate more sustainable and long-lasting job growth compared to fossil fuel projects.

As mentioned in the beginning, this pipeline was meant to transport oil from the oil sands of Alberta, also known as the Tar Sands in Alberta.

Pipeline

ChatGPT was used to help create this article

Further Reading and Sources


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