ipl-logo

Pros And Cons Of The Keystone Pipeline

435 Words2 Pages

One of the most controversial projects for the United States to decide on was whether or not to build the Keystone pipeline. This topic forces the government to decide if economic development is worth the cost of endangering the environment. Though this pipeline will allow the United States to rely less on foreign oil, the pipeline’s lasting effects prove to be a factor that cannot be easily overlooked. The Keystone pipeline should not be built because it endangers the environment and has the ability to create catastrophic damages through pollution and habitat desecration. Pollution is a major factor that has to be considered when referring to the Keystone pipeline. To extract and produce the oil from the sands, carbon is released into the air 17% more than that of conventional oil. The increasing carbon emissions in the air can speed up the changing climate, and can lead to severe health risks. Pollution is a result of extracting this alternative oil, but …show more content…

The toxic chemicals released from extraction were poisoning clean water sources. This lead to increasing cases of cancer, hyperthyroidism, lupus, and renal failure in people located in areas near the present pipeline. These effects clearly show the vast hazard this oil presents for the environment and society. In conclusion, as stated and proven throughout this essay, the Keystone pipeline creates many environmental issues. The Keystone pipeline should not be built because it endangers the environment and has the ability to create catastrophic damages through pollution and habitat desecration. Though many see benefits to the addition of a national pipeline, the effects and dangers must outweigh any slight economic gain. A small gain in government currency should never endanger the future loss of an environment, which is something than can cannot be

Open Document