The Keystone Pipeline is not the slam-dunk issue as some claim. And the controversy isnt just focused on climate change. Even if we take that issue OFF the table, there is still the serious matter of long-term protection for a critical source of water for half the nation - the “High Plains Aquifer” which includes the Ogallala formation in Nebraska and other aquifers. There are studies that suggest that these aquifers can be protected IF TransCanada, the company that will build and maintain the pipeline, is required to implement state-of-the-art leak-control and containment measures throughout the length of the pipeline. There is an opportunity here to leverage our technological innovation and set a new standard for safety that recognizes the immeasurable value of these aquifers while meeting the worlds energy needs. Bottomline, potable water will always be more valuable to our national interests than cheap energy. The final rules and regulations that will govern this project need to reflect that reality. The short-term costs of implementing rigorous safety measures needs to be balanced against the long term costs that a compromised aquifer would have on our agriculture of that region that feeds the world and contributes to our economy; and to the lives of the Americans who depend on these aquifers to quench their thirst, cook their food and bathe their families. Those who are still under the delusion that water is an infinite resource, reach out to one of your friends living in the drought-stricken areas of the Southwest for a dose of reality. Even though theyre on the Pacific coast, the economics of converting seawater to something useful for domestic or agricultural uses is still prohibitively high. If this past election is going to truly be a move away from partisan gridlock then the GOP needs to control is members who are still using this issue to demonize the president. America voted for leadership that will end the partisan BS and engage in a more mature discussion over the real details of this project (and the other challenges facing our nation). For my liberal friends who do recognize that climate change is a reality, consider the relative benefits of exporting petroleum products to nations that would other wise use dirtier sources of energy like coal or burning whats left of our rain forests. The challenges facing our nation and humanity are complex. There are no easy answers, just complex interactions that require balanced compromises to keep us moving forward towards a better world. The sooner all sides grow-up and come to grips with this fact of life, the sooner we can put aside the foolish partisan gamesmanship and get back to work. nytimes/roomfordebate/2011/10/03/what-are-the-risks-of-the-keystone-xl-pipeline-project/the-pipeline-poses-minimal-risk-to-the-ogallala-aquifer
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:12:04 +0000
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