November 16, 2015
In a recent sermon given in a Galveston Island church the preacher talked about doing no harm. It’s like what the Boy Scouts teach… always leave campsites in a better condition than how you found them. The administration could learn a lot from that sermon! The President’s decision on the XL Pipeline is a case in point. Both Secretaries of State Clinton’s and Kerry’s postponing of the decision provided clues that in the end the President would denied the permit that would allow the completion of the project.
It took President Barack Obama 2,604 days (7+ years) to consider and reject the permit application for the Keystone XL pipeline. Here are some of the reasons he made the wrong decision.
Jobs and economic growth:
Tens of thousands of construction jobs would have been created by the pipeline project. Admittedly, these wouldn’t all be long term/ongoing jobs but in the lack luster economy of today jobs and economic growth of any kind should always be a consideration;
Stable oil supply and lower gas prices:
The pipeline would carry 830,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada to the Gulf Coast, where U.S. refineries are already equipped to handle heavier oil, while also ensuring a secure supply from a friendly trading partner. Yes, we are currently seeing low prices at the pump, but in the long term they’re expected to rise once again. The pipeline would help moderate long term price increases.
Energy Independence and National Security:
Whatever happened to the concept of energy independence? The XL Pipeline would move us closer to that goal and energy independence is a national security issue as well.
Safest mode of transportation:
The U.S. already has over 500,000 miles of crude oil, petroleum and natural gas pipelines. Pipelines have a 99.2% safety record, much safer than transporting it by rail where there are derailment concerns.
This should be a business, not a government, decision:
The XL Pipeline is a private sector initiative. No government funds are involved. If the venture is profitable the government will win through increased tax collections. If it fails then the companies that are investing and risking their own money will pay the ultimate price.
Part of the Keystone Pipeline is already permitted:
Phase I of the pipeline was granted a Presidential permit in March 2008. It only took 23 months (less than two years) to approve it. Environmental safety:
Multiple environmental reviews have concluded the XL Pipeline poses minimal environmental risks to the soil, wetlands, water resources and wildlife.
People want the pipeline:
Various polls show a majority Americans support the construction of the pipeline. A recent CNN poll shows 57% in support with only 28% being opposed.
Once again we see those in Washington making decisions based upon political agendas. We can learn from the Galveston preacher’s – Do No Harm! Start basing decisions, not on politics but on what makes sense for the country, the economy, and for our national security.
Bill, Mark, and John
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