The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[OakesCS]

Obama’s official position on the pipeline just doesn’t wash except as a political ploy to defer discussion until after the election.

absolutely correct. The environmental impact studies, rights-of-way, etc have been worked out over many years. Most of that work has always been done at the local and state level but the EPA was brought in to take on flack duties after the State Dept finally gave way.

It is quite easy to find detailed public documents on-line regarding planning of the Keystone pipeline. Those didn't come about because of a lack of thought and consideration.

And as for industries with spotless records: considering the volume and value of their products, the oil and gas industry has an excellent record. Bring on the rolling eyes for the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon but if you weight the number or impact of O&G industry accidents by total product tonnage or volume I think you would find that the O&G industry has a better record than most other materials based industries. Flaming rivers and canary yellow lakes were not brought to you by oil and gas and if you want to see nastiness, then hang out at a chip fab company. And hey, how about Bhopal & Love Canal?