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EPA Raises Concerns Over Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline Expansion

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has expressed significant concerns about the proposed expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline, citing potential risks to drinking water and sensitive ecosystems, as well as the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. The 3,000-kilometre pipeline, currently in its first phase, has already experienced a number of high-profile leaks, including one in Kansas last week and a larger one in North Dakota in early May. Environmental opponents argue that the heavy oil from oilsands is especially hazardous for aquifers and ecosystems along the route.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline expansion, including the risk of oil spills and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The current pipeline has already experienced a number of high-profile leaks, including one in Kansas last week and a larger one in North Dakota in early May.
  • The pipeline's opponents argue that the heavy oil from oilsands is especially dangerous for sensitive aquifers and ecosystems along the route.
  • The EPA has urged the State Department to conduct a more thorough analysis of oil spill risks and alternative pipeline routes.
  • The Keystone pipeline currently transports 500,000 barrels of oil per day, and a fully maximized pipeline would increase this to 1 million barrels per day.
  • The expansion would bring Canadian oil directly to the U.S. Gulf Coast, rather than through the current refining hub of Cushing, Oklahoma.
  • Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has expressed support for receiving more oil from Canada, but the State Department has not yet conducted sufficient analysis of the project's environmental impact.
  • The State Department is set to rule on the issue within the year.

Statistics:

  • The proposed Keystone XL pipeline is 3,000 kilometres long.
  • The pipeline currently transports 500,000 barrels of oil per day.
  • The expansion would increase the pipeline's capacity by 100%, to 1 million barrels per day.
  • In 2008, Canada exported approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil per day to the United States.
  • The pipeline's opponents argue that the heavy oil from oilsands is especially hazardous for aquifers and ecosystems along the route.

Sources:

  • CBC News
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • U.S. State Department
  • Congressional committee testimony (March 2010)
  • Pipeline reports and documentation (2008)

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