We are interested in the Keystone XL Pipeline and its effect on the underlying Ogallala Aquifer. So we went looking for information on the route and found that the pipeline was scheduled to go over part of the water but that there are also other pipelines in the same area. See the pipeline map at: http://www.transcanada.com/docs/Key_Projects/Pipeline_Safety__Ogallala_Aquifer_2010.pdf
This does not eliminate the argument but it also shows that moving the pipeline eastward (near where the Keystone pipeline runs), would remove it from potential damage, should there be a spill. Moving it west would not work as there are other sand dunes in Colorado (Wray Dunes) that would be effected.
So why has this not been studied and approved? Politics!
Conservative Tom
This does not eliminate the argument but it also shows that moving the pipeline eastward (near where the Keystone pipeline runs), would remove it from potential damage, should there be a spill. Moving it west would not work as there are other sand dunes in Colorado (Wray Dunes) that would be effected.
So why has this not been studied and approved? Politics!
Conservative Tom
I don't know the history of how it was decided to build it over the Ogallala Aquifer in the first place, but I assume that was the least-cost route for the pipeline company. I can understand how the federal government might put the interests of the country over the interests of Nebraskans, and that is why I can see it as a kind of imminent domain issue. This is more serious that just moving somebody to build a road or something. The welfare of Nebraskans deserve priority here, even if it means delaying the project.
ReplyDeleteIt is also curious why Nebraska waited this long to mount opposition to the project.
In any case, what I think needs to happen now is that this issue should be separated from the pay roll tax cut extension, because unrelated riders should not be tacked onto legislation (talk about politics!), and then just give the State Dept. time to work out the new route with the pipeline company.
--David
Politics!!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, why is the State Department running this issue? And yes, having unrelated riders attached to bills is ridiculous. Every bill should stand on its own alone.
ReplyDeleteThe State Dept. is the lead federal agency for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Eleven other federal agencies and one state agency served in developing the Environmental Impact Statement required under the NEPA. With all these different agencies involved, it is a miracle they ever got anything done!
ReplyDelete--David