The Keystone XL Pipeline is back in the news, and not for a good reason. Although President Barack Obama last year listened to the public and put the pipeline on hold, TransCanada is back with a new proposal for the pipeline’s northern leg. The State Department has opened a brief public comment period through July 30, 2012, to determine what will be included in its environmental review. TransCanada’s new proposal must be thoroughly reviewed for all its impacts, especially the accelerating effect it would have on climate change. Email Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today to ask that climate impacts be part of this review.
We have already seen how tar sands oil spills can have a devastating impact on local water supplies. Michigan just marked the second anniversary of the worst inland oil spill in U.S. history, and New England residents are rallying to keep a tar sands oil pipeline at bay. As people of faith called to protect Creation, we must encourage our nation to turn away from toxic fossil fuels and develop cleaner, safer sources of energy.