On 2012-01-18, at 4:42 PM, Doug Henwood wrote:
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> On Jan 18, 2012, at 12:29 PM, Somebody Somebody wrote:
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>> Why has Keystone pipeline become such a cause célèbre for environmentalists and liberal groups? Is this principally a matter of opposing the development of oil sands exploration in Canada or is it a result of concern of spills by the pipeline in the U.S.?
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> The first, I think.
Both, and perhaps mostly related to domestic pressure from the conservative state of Nebraska. Its farming and ranching interests joined with environmentalists and native groups and induced state officials to lobby the White House to veto the proposed route, which straddled the Ogalalla aquifer. Neighbouring Great Plains states which also sit astride the aquifer, and are also mostly Republican, supported Nebraska's position.
The administration has simply invited TransCanada to reapply with a changed route. The company has greeted the decision with relative equanimity, and has said it will reapply. It's already working with Nebraska officials to reroute the pipeline, and expects to have a new proposal ready by this fall - just prior to the election, removing it as a political hot potato for Obama.
Whether Obama or Romney is elected, the pipeline will be approved next year, skirting the Sandhills area, but still posing an environmental threat to the region.