News
President Obama announced today that he will deny the application for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In a statement, President Obama said, "I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil. In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security, even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas. And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment."
Some think this will put extra pressure to ensure the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline across BC will be built in order to supply China with Alberta's oil. Ben West, Healthy Communities Campaigner of The Wilderness Committee said, “We should expect a new round of rhetoric from Ottawa about ramping up crude oil exports to Asia through BC,” in reference to the Harper government’s push for pipeline building and expansion across British Columbia. “This is fundamentally irresponsible to the global community which is collectively facing the threat of climate change. We need to be part of the solution, not leading the way making the climate crisis worse", said West.
“Unfortunately, we are up against a Canadian prime minister acting like a lobbyist for Big Oil,” said West. “But the victory against Keystone XL shows that we can stop the expansion of the tar sands, it shows that when people stand up at the grassroots level, from across the political spectrum, we can win.”“
Meanwhile the Gitxsan First Nation has announced that they are recinding their earlier $7 million deal with Enbridge and their Northern Gateway pipeline. More than 60 First Nations have signed the Save the Fraser Declaration against tar sands pipelines and tankers.