Introduction
The Keystone XL Pipeline, or simply Keystone, is a proposed 1,200-mile long crude oil pipeline that is designed to bring crude oil from Alberta, Canada to refineries in the United States. The pipeline is one of the largest and most controversial infrastructure projects in North America, and has been the subject of numerous debates and protests. After years of delays and opposition, the Keystone XL Pipeline is finally set to be completed in 2023. This article will discuss the timeline for the completion of the pipeline, the benefits of the project, and the potential risks associated with it.
Background of the Keystone XL Pipeline
The Keystone XL Pipeline project was first proposed in 2008 as part of a plan to help Canada transport its oil resources to the United States. The project was intended to reduce dependence on foreign oil and provide the US with more access to a secure source of energy. The project was met with strong opposition from environmental activists and Indigenous communities, who argued that the pipeline would pose a risk to water sources, wildlife, and climate change. Despite the opposition, the project was approved in 2011 by the Obama administration. However, the approval was challenged in court, and the project was put on hold.
Timeline for Completion of Keystone XL Pipeline
In 2020, the Trump administration issued an executive order revoking the previous court ruling and allowing the Keystone XL Pipeline to move forward. The project is now set to be completed by 2023, with the first phase of construction set to begin in 2021. The completion of the pipeline is expected to create thousands of jobs and inject billions of dollars into the economy. The pipeline will also help reduce the US reliance on foreign sources of oil, while providing Canada with an opportunity to export its resources.
Benefits of the Keystone XL Pipeline
The Keystone XL Pipeline will provide a number of economic and environmental benefits, including: increased jobs, increased tax revenues, reduced dependence on foreign oil, increased energy security, and improved access to energy resources. The pipeline will also reduce the need for rail transport of oil, which is more dangerous and more expensive than pipeline transport. Finally, the pipeline will reduce emissions by eliminating the need for tanker trucks and trains to transport oil.
Potential Risks Associated with Keystone XL Pipeline
Although the Keystone XL Pipeline will provide many benefits, there are also potential risks associated with the project. These include potential water and land contamination, increased air pollution, and opposition from Indigenous communities. The pipeline will also have an impact on the environment, as it will cross numerous rivers and wetlands, and could potentially disrupt wildlife habitats. Additionally, the pipeline could be a target for sabotage and terrorism, as it will be transporting a large amount of oil across international borders.
Conclusion
The Keystone XL Pipeline is set to be completed in 2023, after years of delays and opposition. The project will provide a number of economic and environmental benefits, including increased jobs and reduced dependence on foreign oil. However, there are also potential risks associated with the project, including potential water and land contamination, increased air pollution, and opposition from Indigenous communities. Overall, the completion of the Keystone XL Pipeline in 2023 will be a major milestone for North America, and will no doubt have a significant impact on the economy and environment.