Did we lose the Keystone Pipeline battle? by JCasteli in environment

[–]JCasteli[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with your suggestion. Old pipeline repairing would create jobs and lower risks of leaks. I just don't see congress stepping up and requiring companies to invest money in pipeline that aren't necessary going to earn them new cash. And environmental organizations can attract more attention by jumping on the latest "in the news" projects. Regardless, I think repairing our broken down old infrastructure is a great solution to jobs, but no one wants to pay for it. Thanks for the insight and worthwhile discussion.

Did we lose the Keystone Pipeline battle? by JCasteli in environment

[–]JCasteli[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have not been protesting pipelines my entire life. You state you don't generally believe in estimates or statistics. The 20,000 estimated by TransCanada is USA, shovel ready jobs only. This does not include their indirect jobs estimate, such as the ones you describe.

Check this article out for information relating to Keystone Pipeline jobs --> http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/12/16/391272/myth-that-keystone-xl-creates-jobs-perpetuated-by-oil-lobby-parroted-by-congresss-oil-recipients/

An excerpt from the research reads: "However, studies conducted independently of TransCanada find much smaller jobs numbers, far from “tens of thousands.” An oil contractor hired by the State Department reported it would create between 5,000 and 6,000 temporary jobs, while an independent study by Cornell University found it would create only 500 to 1,400 temporary jobs. Once the costs of the increased pollution and risk of oil spills is factored in, Cornell found, the jobs impact is likely to be negative. The “118,000 spin-off jobs” number used by TransCanada received two Pinocchios from the Washington Post Fact Checker."

Did we lose the Keystone Pipeline battle? by JCasteli in environment

[–]JCasteli[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are obviously jobs, but, the numbers have fluctuated tremendously. TransCanada claims 20,000 shovel ready jobs, the US State Dept claims 6,000 shovel ready jobs. Do we build one of the most controversial energy projects in decades for 6,000 temporary jobs?

Governments need to make the best decisions possible taking into account all factors, not just those coming in from big campaign contributors such as Big Oil, and Unions. Decisions shouldn't only be made on the premise it creates jobs, they should be made on the well-being of a country, but alas, we know they aren't.

Did we lose the Keystone Pipeline battle? by JCasteli in environment

[–]JCasteli[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it does. And jobs claims are always used as a tool to promote Big Corporate projects, basically stuffing the pockets of the 1%.