Many have outlined reasons why Keystone XL pipeline is not a smart project for the United States. Opening the pipeline likely will lead to increased gasoline prices for many Americans. The pipeline, carrying the rather dangerous and difficult to clean up “Dilbit” oil, risks having leaks (despite industry promises that, well, such leaks would never, never, never happen … cross their fingers and laugh their way to the bank). There is that pesky little issue of how Tar Sands Oil will exacerbate climate chaos (which, of course, has nothing to do with extreme weather events, the drought devastating America’s 2012 crop yields, and …). In summary, when it comes to Keystone XL, there are plenty of reasons “Why not!”
And, these reasons add up to a basic conclusion to say to the pipeline promoters:
You’ll never get near my aquifer.
To understand that sentence’s full context, watch this video. You’ll be glad you did.
Produced by the Post Carbon Institute, “Breakup” comes from Heather Libby who explained this video here.
Like many in the environmental movement, I was thrilled when President Obama denied the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. I really thought it was the end of the Keystone XL. Silly me.
Within weeks, Republicans were looking for new ways to resubmit the Keystone XL plan. Mitt Romney has said he’ll make approving the Keystone XL a priority for his first day in office if he wins.
Seeing all of this, I was frustrated and felt disenfranchised. So I did what I always do in that situation: write comedy.
All I could think of was how much pipeline companies like Transcanada, Enbridge, Shell and Kinder Morgan reminded me of guys who simply won’t take no for an answer. They’re going to keep coming back no matter what we tell them, unless we cut them off for good – and remove their subsidies.
And, when it comes to this, Heather has this concluding thought:
Don’t you think it’s time we end this dirty relationship?