What Is the Keystone XL Pipeline?
The Keystone XL pipeline is an oil pipeline system consisting of approximately 1,200 miles of new, 36-inch diameter pipeline that will extend from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska. The pipeline is intended to transport crude oil from the Alberta tar sands to refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Construction began in 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2023.
Keystone XL Pipeline Route
The Keystone XL pipeline route begins in Hardisty, Alberta, Canada and extends to Steele City, Nebraska. From there, it connects with existing pipelines that transport oil to refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The pipeline is designed to transport up to 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The pipeline has been controversial due to its potential environmental impacts, including the potential for oil spills and the impact on wetlands and water sources along the route.
Keystone XL Pipeline Route Through Canada
The Keystone XL pipeline route begins in Hardisty, Alberta and extends south through Saskatchewan and Manitoba before entering North Dakota. From there, it crosses Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas before ending in Steele City, Nebraska. The pipeline’s path through Canada is mostly rural, and it will cross several waterways, including the North Saskatchewan River. The pipeline is designed to be buried at least four feet below the ground and is expected to have minimal impacts on wildlife and habitats.
Keystone XL Pipeline Route Through the United States
The Keystone XL pipeline route through the United States is similar to the route through Canada. It begins in North Dakota and continues south through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas before ending in Steele City, Nebraska. In Nebraska, the pipeline will cross the Niobrara, Platte, and Republican rivers. The pipeline is designed to be buried at least four feet below the ground and will cross several environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands and areas containing endangered species.
Impacts of the Keystone XL Pipeline Route
The Keystone XL pipeline route has been controversial due to its potential environmental impacts, including the potential for oil spills and the impact on wetlands and water sources along the route. The pipeline will also cross several tribal lands and sacred sites, and the tribes are concerned about the potential impacts on their lands and environment. In addition, the pipeline is expected to contribute to climate change due to the increased emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the production of crude oil from the Alberta tar sands.
Keystone XL Pipeline Route: Pros and Cons
The Keystone XL pipeline route has both pros and cons. On the pro side, the pipeline is expected to create jobs and provide an economic boost to the communities along the route. In addition, it will reduce the need for crude oil to be transported by rail and truck, which could reduce the risk of oil spills. On the con side, the pipeline is expected to have significant environmental impacts, including the potential for oil spills, the impact on wetlands and water sources, and the impact on tribal lands and sacred sites.
Future of the Keystone XL Pipeline Route
The future of the Keystone XL pipeline route is uncertain. The project has been met with strong opposition from environmental groups and some Native American tribes. In addition, the Biden administration has indicated that it intends to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline permit. However, the project is still in progress and the outcomes remain to be seen.
Conclusion
The Keystone XL pipeline route has been controversial due to its potential environmental impacts. The project is still in progress, but the future of the pipeline is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether the Keystone XL pipeline will be completed and, if so, what the impacts of the pipeline will be.