Keystone XL Pipeline - Essay Example

Keystone XL Pipeline The Keystone XL Pipeline is a proposed 1897 km crude oil pipeline expansion that will transport crude from oil sands in Canada all the way to the Gulf of Texas. Keystone Pipeline which is the one that is operational supplies oil from Canada all the way to Oklahoma. According to A Texas report, the proposed Pipeline is aimed at expanding this pipeline. The major objective is to connect Cushing, with the Gulf Coast. Cushing is currently expereincing a set back and needs to be supplied with sufficient oil.

The second objective is to contrast a branch company that will link Alberta to Kansas. This essay will discuss both the environmental and economic implications of Keystone XL Pipeline in case it was constructed. Environmental Implications # The environmental issues tabled by opponents of the Keystone XL Pipeline capture a wide range. These issues basically involve local, regional and global concerns in the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. Besides, a variety of issues raised by those against the building of the pipeline, argue that the stakeholders are not a monolithic group.

First, Greenhouse Gas emissions like Carbon dioxide and methane are emitted during a variety of stages in oil sands production and can lead to global warming. In addition, some environmental groups are concerned that the increased imports of oil sands crude, and the resulting gas emissions would undermine ongoing climate mitigation efforts, such as support for less carbon-intensive energy or energy efficiency improvements (Bruno et al 1) Thirdly, a primary environmental concern is the issue of risk of oil spill.

One major concern would be a repeat of the spill that occurred and affecting vital environmental area like flowing streams and water intakes for personal and commercial uses, and areas with wildlife and sensitive plant species. Based on the experience with pipelines history, the proposed pipeline is likely to lead to a number of oil spills. Lastly, the building of the pipeline would lead to land disturbances. These include clearance and excavation of relatively large surface area which would render some residents homeless.

Economic Implications# According to Rep. Gibbs Bob, Ohio, the building of the pipeline would benefit the community by creating jobs for over 170,000 Americans by 2015. This extension would facilitate the additional production of over 800,000 barels per day. However, according to a recent report by the Centre for American progress called “Heavy Weather: How Climate Destruction Harms Middle- and Lower- Income Americans, Keystone XL Pipeline will disproportionately result into negative impact on the struggling families (Daniel et al 46).

Sixteen states were afflicted by five or more life-threatening weather patterns in 2011-12. Households in disaster-declared countries in these states earn $48,137, or seven percent below the standard median income. Work cited CRS Report R41668, Keystone XL Pipeline Project: Key Issues, by Paul W. Parfomak et al. Daniel, J. et al. Heavy Weather: How Climate Destruction Harms Middle-and Lower-Income Americans.2012. Retrieved on 14 April 2014 from http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ExtremeWeather.

pdf The Hill, Congress Blog. 2013. Retrieved on 14 April 2014 from http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-a-budget/285487-benefits-of-keystone-xl-pipeline-are-clear Kenny Bruno et al, Tar Sands Invasion: How Dirty and Expensive Oil from Canada Threatens America’s New Energy Economy. 2010, Retrieved on 14 April 2014 from http://www.nrdc.org/energy/files/TarSandsInvasion.pdf.