Keystone XL Pipeline Protest at the White House, November 6, 2011. (Credit: Emma Cassidy / Flickr @ tarsandsaction http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarsandsaction/)Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, the Honourable Joe Oliver, yesterday concluded a trip to Houston, Texas, where he spoke at the 33rd Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) annual executive conference. In his address, Minister Oliver reiterated his support for the Keystone XL pipeline, arguing that the project is an obvious “yes” for both Canada and the United States.
Minister Oliver cited the U.S. State Department’s latest environmental impact statement, which confirmed that the pipeline would have no significant effect on the environment. The Minister pointed out that if Keystone is rejected, alternative methods of transporting crude will be used, which would increase greenhouse gas emissions by 28–42%—making Keystone XL the environmentally responsible choice. Meanwhile, the project would support the employment of 42,000 Americans while putting $2 billion in earnings into the pockets of American families.
“Keystone XL has been the most exhaustively studied pipeline project ever proposed in the U.S. In January, the State Department confirmed once again that Keystone XL would have no significant impacts on the environment. The choice is obvious—Keystone XL should be approved, to the benefit of both our countries,” said Joe Oliver.
Minister Oliver further emphasized that Canada makes no compromise when it comes to the environment. The Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development ensures the continuous improvement of Canada’s environmental performance through better enforcement and compliance.
While in Texas, Minister Oliver also met with workers and delivered remarks at TransCanada’s Houston Lateral Pipe Yard. The Houston Lateral project is designed to minimize impacts to the land, environment and local landowners. It currently supports 650 construction jobs for Quanta employees and subcontractors.
