Hundreds Protest Keystone XL Pipeline

Last weekend, hundreds of activists gathered outside of the White House to protest the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which would snake 1,700 miles of pipeline through the Midwest from Canada to oil refineries along the Gulf Coast.

Opponents say that the pipeline increases our dependence on oil, and that Canadian tar sands are among the dirtiest forms of crude oil on the planet. Tar sands extraction is energy-intensive and uses up to three times as much water and energy as traditional oil extraction methods. In addition, many worry that the proposed pipeline (only 3/4" thick in most places) is not sturdy enough to carry such a massive quantity of oil. 

Supporters say that building the pipeline will create jobs, which resonates among many in the still-struggling American economy. They are also willing to embrace the opportunity to source oil from a friendly neighbor, instead of OPEC states.

Unfortunately for opponents, the State Department released a review late last week that found minimal hazards associated with the pipeline. The Obama administration is expected to release a decision by the end of this calendar year. Stay tuned!