Canada pleased by pipeline progress

TransCanada’s proposed changes draw praise

There’s momentum building in support of the new route for the Keystone XL Pipeline, as the editorial yesterday in Canada’s “Globe and Mail” highlights.

Approval was delayed when President Obama refused to be pressed into signing off on the project when Republicans tried to force his hand, noting that to do so before final decisions were made about the route would likely open up lawsuits that would possibly further delay the construction.

Meanwhile, TransCanada has quietly pressed ahead with plans to build “to the border” (without securing the politically volatile crossing permit) at the same time as they’ve been working with Nebraska to find a viable alternative route that protects the Sand Hills region of Ogallala aquifer. Click on the map to the right if you want a better view of the area in question.

Globe Editorial (excerpt)

Revised Keytone XL Pipeline’s proposal welcome

“…TransCanada’s new plan avoids a sensitive area called the Sand Hills, according to boundaries defined by the state government. Some Nebraskans argue that the area is wider. And the route’s proximity to the underlying water-bearing Ogallala Formation ranges from about five to 150 feet below ground. The state and federal governments should of course approach their duties to assess the project seriously. But it will be good news for Canada if this much-needed route for this country’s oil exports is approved, sooner rather than later.”

So with gas prices threatening to be a big issue in the U.S. presidential campaign, particularly with the GOP messaging machine already struggling to downplay the economic recovery, Keystone is moving back toward the spotlight a bit – even though any impact on U.S. fuel prices wouldn’t come until the line was open and flowing, which is obviously several years.

It’s great that President Obama has directed federal agencies to expedite a 485-mile line and other pipelines that alleviate “choke points.” He risks a backlash from the anti-oil parts of the Democratic electorate, but we can’t simply stop using oil; we need to support those systems while developing alternatives. Operating Engineers are typically very concerned with the environment: many of our members and their families are avid hunters and fishermen, who want our land and water resources preserved as a treasure for future generations.

Local 49 remains focused on the impact on jobs for Operating Engineers, and urges you to contact your Senator and U.S. Representative to voice your support for this North American energy source – especially those running for re-election this November. Our members are voters, and we know that the real job creator is consumer demand, which starts with a vibrant, thriving middle class in America – and our financial security is closely tied to having good jobs so we can complain about the cost of commuting.

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