Keystone XL Pipeline - Earth Science for the 21st Century PDF

Preview

Summary

Summary on information learned about the Keystone XL Pipeline, covered in the final exam. ...

Description

The Keystone XL Pipeline is a 36-inch diameter pipeline that runs through 840 miles of the United States and 329 miles through Canada. When it was proposed, it was intended to be a critical project for the energy security of the United States, as well as strengthening the United States economy. (StateImpact) It was meant to transport 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day. It transports the 830,000 barrels from Canada’s oil sands to refineries in Port Arthur, Texas. (TransCanada) The pipeline is an extension of the TransCanada’s existing Keystone pipeline, which was completed in 2013. Right now, the project is in two segments – the 1,179-mile northern leg between Hardisty, Alberta and Steele City, Nebraska, and the 485-mile southern leg between Steele City and Port Arthur, Texas. (TransCanada) The southern leg, nicknamed the Gulf Coast Project, is currently operating, while the northern leg requires a presidential permit. President Barrack Obama shot down on Nov. 6, 2015 after reviewing the project for seven years. (TransCanada) On January 6, 2016, TransCanada announced legal action under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), while also initiating litigation against the U.S. Administration. As it stands, this is the most recent action the project has had. (TransCanada) If the northern leg is finished, it is estimated to create 1,950 jobs for a two-year period while it was being built, then it would reduce to 50 permanent jobs once it was finished. (Washington Post) It is estimated to contribute $3.4 billion to the United States economy, which would account for 0.02 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. (Washington Post) Personally, I disagree with this project. I believe that the time, energy, money and resources should be spent elsewhere to create renewable energy options instead of creating another platform for our society to depend on this nonrenewable crude oil. Though it would

create many jobs and add to the nation’s economy, looking towards renewable energy resources would do the same thing. It might cost more money initially, but after a while, the gain for the economy and environment would be obvious. Overall, I think that this is not the best option – looking towards renewable energy options is the better option....