The Keystone Pipeline is a system of oil pipes running from
Canada down to the Gulf Coast. The construction of the
pipeline was proposed as a way to increase oil revenue and make
the U.S. less dependent on Middle East oil imports.
As promised, President Biden made the Keystone XL Pipeline a
priority by signing an executive order to halt the pipeline on
his first day in office!
The move prioritizes environmental protection of the nation over
short-term fossil fuel production, along with protecting
sacred lands of the tribes and surrounding communities.
Had it proceeded, the construction process would have destroyed
croplands, forests, pastures, wetlands, and small waterways, as
the pipes run primarily through rural areas.
Tribal Leaders and communities organized opposition to the
Keystone project based on these negative environmental impact
concerns. Halting the project averts any possibility of
water contamination and the severe health risks that come with it
to nearby communities.
Construction of the pipeline would also have damaged sacred
burial and ceremonial sites, destroyed cultural resources, and
damaged historic archaeological sites. Furthermore, the
uncertainty as to the amount of danger posed to natural water
river ways, wetlands, and reforestation was unknown.
President Biden’s rejection of the Keystone pipeline was a huge
victory and a tribute to the 13 years of dedicated leadership of
a diverse collation of Tribal Leaders, environmentalists, and
community grassroots crusaders. This opposition created allied
tribal nations with landowners and ranchers from Nebraska, the
Dakotas, Oklahoma, and Texas, who together insisted that our
environmental future is not worth sacrificing for unsafe
pipelines.
Continuing the pipeline would not make any meaningful long-term
contribution to our economy or job growth, especially with
our current output of shale oil. Keystone XL stood to benefit one
corporation—TransCanada.
President Biden heard the voice of the people, of those who
organized for a safe environment and healthy communities, not to
special interest groups, and we thank him for his commitment to
protect ALL of us.
