Keystone Pipeline Decision Delayed Yet Again

Today the Obama administration delayed the decision on the Keystone pipeline until Nov. 4th, after elections. Recently the Keystone pipeline has been a controversial subject among america's politicians. Many republicans, and a few democrats, have opted for the building of the pipeline but because of large opposition from environmentalists and public opinion the Obama administration have put off the decision.

The Keystone pipeline is a pipeline that runs from Canada all the way to the Gulf Coast. It is already a pipeline, but now there is debate of adding over 2,000 more miles of pipeline. If completed, the pipeline could deliver up to 830,000 barrels of oil a day. This much oil could create a security of energy for america, and because it is fossil fuel energy, it would be cheap as well. Not to mention that the pipeline has the potential of creating thousands of jobs.

But as many environmentalists are arguing, the carbon emissions and impact on the land would be devastating. As Michael McElroy, from the Harvard Journal, put it, "the global climate consequences would be simply unacceptable." If the pipeline was created, evidence shows that carbon emissions into the atmosphere would "sharply accelerate".  Many say even if we are not at the tipping point of destroying the planet, we eventually will be. If we ever do reach that point and we are pumping almost millions of barrels a day, do you think oil corporations will be willing to stop drilling?

Today both america in general and the energy industry is so influenced and focused on money that I don't believe we could ever stop once we start this project. Obama says we need "a finding" or significant piece of evidence to sway the decision one way or the other. At the moment I don't know which way this is going to come out but I wonder if the pipeline guarantees some sort of major problem for America in the future? Do you think the pipeline is worth it? What option do you think is in America's best interest?