The debate on the Keystone XL Pipeline has come to define the difference between common sense, and lack thereof.
Almost 70 percent of Americans want to see the pipeline built. The President’s arguments for refusing to approve it, are sounding more and more hollow.
The President’s arguments go like this:
‘Most of the 30–40,000 jobs that the pipeline will generate are temporary, and will disappear once the pipeline has been completed.’
‘The pipeline will deepen U.S. dependence on fossil fuel.’
‘The current lower cost of oil has reduced the economic benefits of the pipeline.’
Mr. President, really?
About the first argument, all infrastructure jobs are, by nature, temporary. Once the project has been completed, most, if not all, of the jobs go away. The pipeline is no exception. Also, how many jobs today are really permanent? If you are in doubt, just ask someone who used to work at Circuit City or at Blockbuster Video.
I’m sure the President understands that!
The pipeline will not make us more or less dependent on fossil fuel, nor will it accelerate or decelerate the development of renewable sources. As long as there is a demand for fossil fuel, one way or the other, the Canadian oil will find a way to market.
I’m sure the President understands that!
The President is correct in arguing that lower oil prices make the pipeline less economically beneficial. However, at some point the price of oil will go back up. It always has and always will.
I’m sure the President understands that!
Whether from Canada, or from anywhere else, it’s safer, cheaper and less damaging to the environment to transfer oil by pipeline than by any other means, like by truck, rail or fuel tanker.
I’m sure the President understands that!
Seventy percent of Americans get it.
So what are we waiting for?
Karsten Malmos
