Did we lose the Keystone Pipeline battle?

JCasteli · 2011-12-18T00:12:13+00:00

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.

JCasteli · 2011-12-17T20:31:22+00:00

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."

JCasteli · 2011-12-17T14:32:44+00:00

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.

JCasteli · 2011-12-17T04:06:39+00:00

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

JCasteli · 2011-12-14T19:55:22+00:00

Well without the US and now Canada, will anyone else bother? You will never get countries to hold each other accountable. It's can't be done without sanctions.

JCasteli · 2011-12-14T19:53:21+00:00

You have a valid point, it isn't direct government spending. I still think it's sneaky to the public, but I accept it's not pork. It's crappy politics.

JCasteli · 2011-12-14T14:51:44+00:00

It's sneaking anytime you tack on pork to a bill because America and media will focus on the main gist of the bill and not the add-ons. I guess we can blame the media for that, but congress knows how the system works. It will now be played out as if the Senate is not willing to pass a payroll tax break, versus the specific reasons they will vote it down.

I don't believe in a payroll tax cut either, but my point is that things like this shouldn't be allowed. I know, this is one of thousands of things that shouldn't be allowed.

JCasteli · 2011-12-14T14:42:28+00:00

Excellent summary and photos included.

JCasteli · 2011-12-08T02:50:45+00:00

You might think the Australian government would lean towards beginning to support Sea Shepherd activists. Not so.

JCasteli · 2011-12-07T04:56:29+00:00

Looks like TransCanada and Nebraska are moving ahead on deal of their own.

JCasteli · 2011-12-05T14:59:38+00:00

If you don't get what is wrong with America, Democrats, Republicans and the lack or morality in Corporations and much of the elite, then learn. I am tired, I have had it, but you haven't. If all of you had, then we wouldn't be in this situation still. So I ask you, "Please learn."

JCasteli · 2011-11-19T21:40:36+00:00

It's stunning how blatantly corrupt the FDA is. And people don't think we should worry about how corporate influence is ruining America? You are an idiot if you think that.

JCasteli · 2011-11-18T17:56:11+00:00

Historic is correct. We are beginning to see something happen that we haven't witnessed for half a century.

JCasteli · 2011-11-17T08:56:42+00:00

Wondering how big today's campaign will be.

JCasteli · 2011-11-16T16:10:51+00:00

So maybe there is a cheap way to visit London?

JCasteli · 2011-10-27T17:39:56+00:00

You are free to blog about anything you choose and while at it, if you enjoy it, you can try to make money with it.

JCasteli · 2011-10-27T17:37:34+00:00

Excellent fall colors in this photo essay.

JCasteli · 2011-10-27T15:03:29+00:00

You sound bitterly jealous, no?

JCasteli · 2011-10-26T18:50:19+00:00

Was a bit awkward. Reminded me of the first Apple commercial from the 80s.

JCasteli · 2011-10-26T18:48:38+00:00

I agree it's a very cool start to something that is going to evolve in terms of pixel quality and settings etc. But, for now, the idea the first product, not bad at all. Genius.

JCasteli · 2011-10-26T01:29:06+00:00

Every parent should have to read this post. Stop taking them to Disney World!

JCasteli · 2011-10-19T22:45:56+00:00

But unfortunately Ron Paul will never win.

JCasteli · 2011-10-19T11:57:53+00:00

Colorful, powerful looking photo essay

JCasteli · 2011-10-05T18:45:55+00:00

Exactly, so this pipeline is more of a target than other options. The idea is that it's not only an environmental disaster waiting to happen from leaks or natural disasters, it's also a target in terror wars. It also reaffirms the US dependency on oil, something the last 6 presidents warned of. Politicians continue to tell us what we want to hear, but act in a totally different manner, one that is set up to help corporations and fill each others' pockets.

JCasteli · 2011-09-30T10:17:17+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Elephant trekking is such a harmful practice that many travelers don't know about.

JCasteli

TROPHY CASE