Controversial project falls one vote shy
Another attempt to speed up the process of the Keystone XL pipeline was rejected by the U.S. Senate. Being a contentious proposal since its conception nearly six years ago, the pipeline has repeatedly been a topic of environmental discussion throughout Canadian politics.
The Harper government has been urging the approval of the pipeline that would generate more revenue and jobs within Canada, while securing long-term economic prosperity.
The proposed pipeline would begin near the oilsands deposits in Alberta, and connect with the already existing pipeline in Steele City, Nebraska. If approved, the transfer of bitumen extracted through Canadian facilities would be moved to U.S oil refineries on the Gulf Coast.
The pipeline would run through multiple states and cities, undeniably causing potential risk of spillage and environmental harm on its path. While there is heavy emphasis being placed on the productivity and job creation that would come with its establishment, the impact and effect that the pipeline would have on smaller communities would remain intrusive and harmful.
Singer-songwriter and environmental activist Neil Young has spoken out on multiple occasions against the oilsands industry. Currently on the Blue Dot Tour, fronted by prominent environmentalist David Suzuki, Young, alongside other Canadian musicians aim to bring urgency to Canada’s multiple environmental concerns and contributions.
In an interview, Young claimed, “The real issue is do we want to have a clean planet. Do people in Canada deserve to have food that’s good and breathe clean air? If people in Canada all wanted that, it might be a good idea to put it in their constitution like so many other countries around the world.”
In order for the pipeline proposal to be passed and handed onto the desk of the President, 60 votes were needed by U.S. Senators. The bill failed to pass with a 59-41 vote- an extremely close result. Even though this specific vote failed to go through, another vote is expected to occur in 2015 that would see the Republican Party having a larger impact on the process.
While Canadian corporations are scrambling to get U.S. approval to begin construction of the pipeline, the White House remains vigilant in reviewing and adhering to their own environmental process and review before rushing into any commitments. President Obama spoke last year about the pipeline and stated it will only gain approval if it “does not significantly exacerbate the problem of carbon pollution.”