Why the Keystone XL Pipeline is a BIG DEAL

The Keystone XL pipeline has been the source of heated debate for years now. Environmentalists and landowners argue that its inevitable leaks will pollute our land and water. Others tout the potential economic benefits the pipeline will bring to Nebraska and the U.S. The fight against the pipeline has been one of the most galvanizing environmental debates in recent history. Many question: why is this pipeline such a big deal?

While I myself, an avid environmentalist, think the worries that the pipeline could pollute the Ogallala aquifer are overblown, I recognize that the risk for surface water pollution is very real. A pipeline leak near the Kalamazoo river in Michigan in July of 2010 led to over 1 million gallons of unrefined bitumen (from the tarsands of Canada) pouring into the Kalamazoo river. Over 40 acres of the river bottom was covered with the heavy bitumen. A 35 mile stretch of the river was closed for 2 years. Clean up efforts have fell short, with much of the area still polluted, even though almost $1 billion has been spent on the effort.

So the risk to our surface water is real and warranted. However, this is not the main reason I oppose the pipeline. My opposition comes from a more fundamental level. I oppose increasing our use of fossil fuels, which will accelerate global climate change.  I don’t think America should take part in transporting tarsands oil. We are lagging behind enough already in fighting climate change, allowing the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline would be another step backwards.

President Obama has the final say on the matter. He will be approving or rejecting the pipeline later this year. Environmentalists from across the nation, spearheaded by 350.org and the Sierra Club, are looking to Obama to make the decision that could come to define his second term. Will he chose to stick to the beaten path, a path towards escalating carbon emissions and drastic climate change, or will he chose to lead us towards a greener future? This first step is going to be crucial.

On February 17^th, I will join 8 UNL students, over 100 Nebraskans, and over 15,000 people from across the nation in a march on Washington DC. We will demand that the President rejects the Keystone XL pipeline, and remains truthful to his declaration in his second inaugural address: “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that failure to do so would betray our children and future generations”. Needless to say, I am excited to be a part of one of the biggest environmental movements in U.S. history. You can be a part of it too!

If you agree with me, and think that President Obama should reject the Keystone XL pipeline, and should take major steps towards curbing U.S. carbon emissions, co-sign this letter from 350.org. Make your voice heard!