Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Keystone Pipeline

The Keystone Pipeline has become a contentious issue in the last few years and on Sunday, Feb 10, a rally in Washington DC brought tens of thousands of people protesting the prospective project. Even if we discount the issue of increased oil burning and CO2 emissions, many environmental costs and possible social benefits still remain. Regardless, if the pipeline is approved by the federal government, the crude from Canada’s tar sands will make its way in to the economy. It either will be exported through sale to more accommodating nations or through rail and other shipping methods to the Gulf Coast.

Proponents argue the pipeline project will bring jobs and economic wealth to a downtrodden part of America that has been hit hard by the recession and a denial of the pipeline could sour our close relationship with Canada. While Opponents argue that the pipeline will destroy pristine ecological areas, raise the probability of an accidental oil spill, and continue our reliance on fossil fuels.

For more in depth analysis on the arguments for and against the pipeline, visit the hyperlinks above!

Amy Fine