A Tar Sands Pipeline Revival is Underway in the US.
The Trump administration’s plans to approve a 650-mile pipeline to transport oil from Canada’s tar sands into the US have been revived, despite previous setbacks. On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden revoked a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, dealing a significant blow to the project. However, oil tycoons in Wyoming are now pushing to revive the contentious pipeline.
A New Path Forward
The pipeline’s revival is being driven by Terry Tempest Williams, a prominent Wyoming oil executive, and his company, Bridger Pipeline. They’re planning to build a new, 650-mile pipeline to transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada’s tar sands to the US. This project is essentially a modified version of the original Keystone XL pipeline.
The revived pipeline project faces significant opposition from environmental groups, who point out that tar sands oil extraction is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The project also poses significant risks to waterways and ecosystems, as well as local communities.
A Climate Impact Assessment</hassistant
Climate Impact Assessment Remains a Concern
Environmental groups have consistently pointed out that the tar sands oil extraction process is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. According to estimates, the Keystone XL pipeline would release approximately 225 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of 42 million cars. This significant carbon footprint raises concerns about the pipeline’s alignment with the US’s climate goals.
Despite these concerns, oil tycoons like Terry Tempest Williams are pushing forward with the project. Their justification is that the pipeline will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Wyoming and other affected states. However, critics argue that these benefits are short-term and do not outweigh the long-term environmental and health costs associated with the pipeline.
What This Means
The revival of the Keystone XL pipeline is a contentious issue that highlights the ongoing debate between economic development and environmental protection. As the US continues to grapple with its role in addressing climate change, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of such projects. If the pipeline is approved, it will set a precedent for other fossil fuel infrastructure projects in the US, potentially hindering the country’s ability to transition to renewable energy sources.
