Map of Keystone Pipeline
What It Is
The Keystone Pipeline is a pipeline that carries oil in North America. It runs from Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin in Alberta to Illinois and Texas and also down to Oklahoma. Three phases of the pipeline have been built and are in operation. A fourth phase between Alberta and Nebraska is proposed. The fourth phase is similar to phase one but shorter in route and larger in diameter. The proposal faces opposition from environmentalists and some members of Congress who are concerned about the impact of the pipeline on Nebraska's environmentally sensitive Sand Hills region.
Pros
- Helps the economy of the United States by creating modern energy infrastructure.
- Creates jobs and supports manufacturing in the United States.
- Helps transport oil from our ally Canada to the United States thereby increasing our energy security and independence.
- Safer than transporting oil by trains which is dangerous as there have been many accidents of rail cars carrying oil.
Cons
- Extracting the oil which will feed the pipeline will impact the earth's environment.
- Oil spills along the pipeline will impact the surrounding environment and pollute the ground water.
- Greater use of fossil fuels will increase carbon emissions and pollute the air around us.
Conclusion
I think the advantages of the Keystone Pipeline are far greater than the cons. The benefits to our economy by way of jobs and manufacturing would help our country. The arguments against the pipeline are not as convincing. Therefore I think we should go ahead and build the proposed pipeline.