Keystone XL, for better or worse

It’s entirely possible to be a business-minded environmentalist.

There are two (or more) sides to every issue, and steps need to be taken so that everyone is heard and understood before decisions are made. That’s why the pipeline is being “held hostage.”

The Keystone XL pipeline is the topic of many heated debates. If/when completed, the pipeline will help North America become more energy independent. Some jobs will be created during the construction, and far less will remain afterward to keep it functioning. Keep in mind most of the pipeline is already in place and running – the country has stalled on the additions.

However, you can’t just brush aside “environmental concerns.” Disaster scenarios have to be considered. What would happen if equipment fails and product is leaked? How would that affect the environment and people near the pipeline? Who’s going to pay for the clean-up and potential re-location of people when water tables are contaminated? These are important questions that determine where the pipeline is set.

Dependence on oil for energy is decreasing, and that needs to be understood and embraced. Renewable, green sources are becoming more affordable every day, and there’s a lot of money to be made in up and coming technologies. Oil companies will eventually have to adapt. We’re going to see some big changes in the way we harvest energy in the coming years. However, companies are always going to invest in what’s profitable. For now, oil is still king.

Read the full article here: The Biggest Energy Mistake in 2014

 

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