A reoccurring and controversial issue known as the Keystone XL Pipeline has reemerged and is continuing to cause disputes and problems. The Keystone XL Pipeline is an extension to the Keystone Pipeline system, proposed by TC Energy (formerly the TransCanadaCorp) in 2005, which would transport oil from Alberta, Canada, to refineries of the United States. The Keystone XL Pipeline has been controversial for many years as a result of concerns about its effect on global and environmental concepts, negatively impacting the world we live in today and that of the future. President Joe Biden has revoked its order to be built in efforts to uphold his plan to address climate change, and although the order to end the Keystone XL Pipeline will lead to the loss of jobs and economic decrease, canceling the pipeline will provide environmental protection, and eliminate its contribution to climate change.
To begin, there are key concerns when it comes to the Keystone XL Pipeline that would negatively impact society as a whole if it was built, particularly, concern over environmental protection. Source 4 discusses some reasons why the Keystone XL Pipeline must be evaluated carefully, stating, “Environmentalists oppose the project because it would create …an unconventional energy source requiring far more fuel, water and carbon emissions to extract than conventional oil and gas…In one method (producers use to get sands out of the ground), large amounts of water and natural gas are used to pump steam into the sands to extract the oil, which creates toxic environmental runoff”. The article later states that a method of extraction has already destroyed multiple acres of Alberta forest. Source 4 supports President Biden’s call to revoke the XL Pipeline order as it provides specific examples of how the pipeline would impact the environment in detrimental ways and require more resources than we necessarily just have at dispense.
In addition, as someone in leadership, President Biden implemented an executive order that provides his ideals and future presidential actions that he hopes to attain, specifically those surrounding the discussion of climate change. Source 3 demonstrates President Biden’s viewpoint as it states that “It is, therefore, the policy of my Administration…to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; to bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change”. Under a section solely addressing the revocation of the Keystone Pipeline, President Biden expresses, “The analysis further concluded that approval of the proposed pipeline would undermine U.S. climate leadership by undercutting the credibility and influence of the United States in urging other countries to take ambitious climate action.” Source 3 declares that President Biden and his administration prioritize the United States following a sustainable climate pathway and perceive the Keystone XL Pipeline as something that contradicts these efforts and climate imperatives.
Despite these reasons on why the Keystone XL Pipeline demonstrates inadequate consequences on society and our environment, abandoning the order does lead to a harmful impact economically. (From the Right) of Source 1, it is portrayed that the government of Canada continues to support the Keystone XL Pipeline, and a supporter, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, publicly stated “Doing so would kill jobs on both sides of the border, weaken the critically important Canada-U.S. relationship, and undermine U.S. national security by making the United States more dependent on OPEC oil imports in the future”. The article expresses that supporters believe that the cancellation of the pipeline would result in stopping an $8 billion process that has already begun in Canada, it would take away job opportunities for those involved in the project, and it would lead to weakening the relationship between the United States and Canada. According to the supporters, revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline would decrease job opportunities and impact both sides of the border economically.
In conclusion, President Biden chose the best decision for the benefit of the United States. Using logic and reason to decide on how to obtain a sustainable world, led to President Biden’s choice which stands alongside his goals and priorities stated in his executive order. Although the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline could result in a decrease in job opportunities specifically related to the project as well as some economic backlash, this does not outweigh the detrimental effects that the pipeline could place on our climate and environment.
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