Read this New York Times article on the disappointing decision by the Obama State Department to go ahead with a 3,200 km pipeline from the Alberta Tar Sands to the US Gulf Coast – despite a large protest movement against the project.
“In reaching its conclusion that the Keystone XL pipeline from the oil sands
deposits in Alberta would have minimal environmental impact, the
administration dismissed criticism from environmental advocates, who
said that extracting the oil would have a devastating impact on the
climate and that a leak or rupture in the 36-inch-diameter pipeline
could wreak ecological disaster. Opponents also said the project would
prolong the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, threaten sensitive
lands and wildlife and further delay development of clean energy
sources” (Aug 26, 2011)