Keystone XL flowing ahead

[TomUS]

Report makes it much more likely Obama will approve it. He put off the decision until after the 2012 election since it divided the party...unions - yes, enviros - no. The report says that tar sands oil is coming out of the ground no matter what. Never thought anything could prevent it. Money just there for the taking.

The State Department released a report on Friday that could pave the way toward President Obama’s approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Either way, the tar sands oil, which produces significantly more planet-warming carbon pollution than standard methods of drilling, is coming out of the ground, the report says.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/01/u...ase-way-to-approval-of-keystone-pipeline.html

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Either way, the tar sands oil, which produces significantly more planet-warming carbon pollution than standard methods of drilling, is coming out of the ground, the report says.

That's one of the sillier things I've ever heard of in a government report. They Koch brothers must have written it themselves.

BTW, Its still got to make it through the lawsuits. That could take years.

Obama always was going to approve it. He is and always was a corporatist. He's just trying to figure out how to get his base to suck it up.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Nebraska court says "not so fast":

Just as pressure was building on President Barack Obama to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline that would carry oil from Canada to refineries in Texas, the project ran into another obstacle — and it came again from Nebraska.

A judge's decision Wednesday to overturn a Nebraska law that allowed the pipeline guarantees the legal fight will continue for at least several more months. It also could leave Nebraska's decision in the hands of the state Public Service Commission, a little-known board that regulates natural gas lines, grain warehouses and recreational vehicles.

The ruling was a victory for pipeline opponents, including environmentalists who say Keystone XL would carry "dirty oil" that contributes to global warming and Nebraska ranchers and farmers who fear it could hurt their water supply.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/20/keystone-pipeline-nebraska_n_4822667.html

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

This is what happens when people come and take a look for themselves:

Schultz traveled to Nebraska and heard the concerns of locals and appears to have come away with reasoning to, despite prior support for approving the pipeline, now oppose it. “I would love to see the President of the United States go to Nebraska and talk to the folks on the ground,” Schultz said Wednesday. “And find out exactly how far down that aquifer goes. And what an oil spill would do.”

He became passionate as he finalized his change of heart. “This right here, the Keystone XL pipeline that would go over the Ogallala aquifer is one of the biggest energy risks this country will ever take. Ever. Ever! It is going to be one of the most disastrous things if it does leak because it is irreversible.”

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/05/3368171/keystone-ed-schultz-oppose/#

It ain't over 'til its over.

 

[TomUS]

Hilarious Repub attempt to use the Ukraine crisis to justify building it....
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-03-06/using-ukraine-to-justify-keystone-is-silly

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

The XL Pipeline has spawned some odd pairings of conservatives and liberals, cowboys and Indians. Here's some pictures from the ongoing protests against the pipeline (odd that you hear nothing of it in the news). This is a group called The Cowboy and Indian Alliance:

President Obama further postponed making a decision on the pipeline last week. He said he can't make a decision until a route is finalized through Nebraska.

 

[TomUS]

President Obama further postponed making a decision on the pipeline last week. He said he can't make a decision until a route is finalized through Nebraska.

And the real reason is he wants to wait until after the mid term elections since his base is divided on this issue.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

And the real reason is he wants to wait until after the mid term elections since his base is divided on this issue.

Quite probable. He's already alienated his base on several issues. He's afraid if he oks it, his base won't show up to the polls. Even if he approves it, it still has to work its way through the courts. That could take years.

There's some indication though that enough delay will translate into TransCanada taking their toys and going home. They want to make money now, not years from now. And the longer this goes on, the more money its costing them.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Outside Magazine had an article on the effects of tar sands oil extraction on First Nations People in Alberta.

The situation has grown so grim that the United Nations issued a call in May 2014 for the Canadian government to launch a special inquiry into the treatment of First Nations people, specifically citing, among other concerns, that more than half of all native people on government reserves face health risks due to contaminated drinking water. Government officials have failed to act, the report said, because they see the interests of native people as counter to the best interests of Canadians. James Anaya, then the U.N.’s special rapporteur on indigenous rights, warned that lawsuits and government claims over treaty violations have languished so long that many First Nations have “all but given up.”

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/The-High-Cost-of-Oil.html

I've found that Outside does better reporting on many issues than the so-called "news." A while back they had an excellent article on problems at Everest between climbers and Sherpas.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Keystone XL unlikely to happen:

A lot has changed since TransCanada Pipelines first proposed building the nearly 1,200 mile-long extension to its existing pipeline network delivering Canadian crude oil to refineries in the Gulf Coast of Texas. The oil in question would come from the so-called oil sands projects in northern Alberta, ventures that high oil prices have made economically viable. The explosion in the oil sands developments has transformed Alberta’s Fort McMurray into “Fort McMoney,” a boom town where houses and salaries can be higher than those in Canada’s largest city, Toronto — and where crime rates and drug usage rates are higher, too.

The extensive delays — prompted by the requirement that the U.S. government sign off on the project, since it crosses an international border, and the fierce battle waged by environmentalists to stop that from happening — have driven up the project’s costs. TransCanada says building the Keystone link across Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska would now cost some $8 billion, up from the originally estimated $5.4 billion, with shippers covering much of the additional charges.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-keystone-xl-pipeline-already-113000920.html

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead:

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration will reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline that has divided petroleum interests and environmentalists for more than seven years, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, who was charged with making a recommendation on the controversial project, were scheduled to meet on Friday morning, ahead of public remarks by Obama at 11:45 a.m. (1645 GMT).

Keystone XL would have linked existing pipeline networks in Canada and the United States to bring more than 800,000 barrels per day of crude from Alberta's oil sands and some from North Dakota to refineries in Illinois and, eventually, the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Obama to announce rejection of Keystone pipeline: source


I'm sure there's other things they'll try and they're sure to file for a permit if we get a Republican president in the next election, but its dead for now.

 

[TomUS]

But Jeb, who we all trust says....
"The Obama Admin's politically motivated rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline is a self-inflicted attack on the U.S. economy and jobs."

 

[coley]

But Jeb, who we all trust says....
"The Obama Admin's politically motivated rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline is a self-inflicted attack on the U.S. economy and jobs."

Is there really any prospect of another Bush administration? Or could you end up with Bush because even your republicans couldn't face a Trump presidential candidate?
But, well done Obama.

 

[coley]

Quite probable. He's already alienated his base on several issues. He's afraid if he oks it, his base won't show up to the polls. Even if he approves it, it still has to work its way through the courts. That could take years.

There's some indication though that enough delay will translate into TransCanada taking their toys and going home. They want to make money now, not years from now. And the longer this goes on, the more money its costing them.

And quite a few of the major players in the Tar sands are now cutting back on new investments, all good news.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

And quite a few of the major players in the Tar sands are now cutting back on new investments, all good news.

That has more to do with oil prices than our efforts, I'm sure.

 

[coley]

That has more to do with oil prices than our efforts, I'm sure.

You are,unfortunately, probably right, the move from high cost oil fields, the disinvestment programme, the looming demise of coal, they are all about the 'market' looking at the future and not seeing much of one for traditional Fossil fuels.
It's a shame that the accelerating move from carbon to renewables is being driven by the thirst for corporate profits rather than a genuine desire to avert AGW, but if it gets the boat moving in the right direction, so be it.

 

[coley]

But Jeb, who we all trust says....
"The Obama Admin's politically motivated rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline is a self-inflicted attack on the U.S. economy and jobs."

I think it was going to generate 35/40 full time permanent jobs Not a lot of return for such a risky venture.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

You are,unfortunately, probably right, the move from high cost oil fields, the disinvestment programme, the looming demise of coal, they are all about the 'market' looking at the future and not seeing much of one for traditional Fossil fuels.
It's a shame that the accelerating move from carbon to renewables is being driven by the thirst for corporate profits rather than a genuine desire to avert AGW, but if it gets the boat moving in the right direction, so be it.

You're never going to get these sociopaths to make the change any other way. If its a change in the economic tide that makes them change their short-sighted view of the world, then so be it. They sure aren't going to do it because "it's the right thing to do."

On to the next fight. There's a hearing this morning on this proposal to limit wind power:

Proposed turbine noise rules would be most restrictive in state

ROCA -- Proposed noise rules being drafted to regulate commercial wind turbines in Lancaster County are so restrictive they would effectively prevent wind projects being developed here, according to a Portland, Oregon-based company that wants to develop a 50-turbine farm in Lancaster and Gage counties.

“From the wind industry standpoint this is quite extreme,” Joe Wood, project engineer for wind energy company Volkswind, said Thursday at the final meeting of a working group created to give input on the zoning.

The proposed rules would give Lancaster County the most restrictive noise regulations for commercial wind turbine projects in the state. Wood said the likelihood of violating those regulations would be so great that wind energy companies would build in other counties rather than risk violating the zoning regulations.

Proposed turbine noise rules would be most restrictive in state : Lincoln, NE Journal Star

This is an industry-based ploy to limit how far we can change over to renewables. We're projected to be at 50% renewables by 2020 so they have to slow it down to keep their market.

 

[coley]

You're never going to get these sociopaths to make the change any other way. If its a change in the economic tide that makes them change their short-sighted view of the world, then so be it. They sure aren't going to do it because "it's the right thing to do."

On to the next fight. There's a hearing this morning on this proposal to limit wind power:



Proposed turbine noise rules would be most restrictive in state : Lincoln, NE Journal Star

This is an industry-based ploy to limit how far we can change over to renewables. We're projected to be at 50% renewables by 2020 so they have to slow it down to keep their market.

Aye whey, when they move to another areas/states that are receptive to wind power, and when the residents of Lancaster county realise what they have lost in jobs and associated community benefits they might just decide to punish the graft ridden oops, short sighted legislators responsible for this stupidity.
Bugger, the NIMBYism and downright graft involved in fighting RE proposals is unbelievable.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Aye whey, when they move to another areas/states that are receptive to wind power, and when the residents of Lancaster county realise what they have lost in jobs and associated community benefits they might just decide to punish the graft ridden oops, short sighted legislators responsible for this stupidity.
Bugger, the NIMBYism and downright graft involved in fighting RE proposals is unbelievable.

Unfortunately, we lost this round. The vote was 3-2. The deciding vote was a guy who flipped on us at the last minute. One of the votes against us is up for reelection next year. We're going to try to get them off the board and replace them with someone friendly. Even if we succeed, there won't be wind power here for the foreseeable future.

Overall it was a good week.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Dr. James Hansen addresses the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder's meeting.

In the time I am granted to speak at the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting on April 30 my remarks will focus on the world we are leaving to young people, the prospects they will inherit. I believe that you and I share optimism about the future, but also concerns.

You are in a singular position, via the respect you command, to help the public see through special interests. Indeed, I will argue that you could, and that you should, do your best to influence the course of history this century and beyond.

To help make my case, let me first note that we share Midwestern roots. I worked for the Omaha World Herald for years, thus earning a chance to study at the University of Iowa under renowned physicist James Van Allen. That career path, the study of other planets and Earth’s history, led me to realization of the dangers posed by human-made climate change as we burn fossil fuels.

Recent scientific data indicate that continued high fossil fuel emissions will lock in sea level rise of at least 6-9 meters (20-30 feet). Almost all coastal cities, including most of the world’s largest cities, would be lost. Large impacts may not begin for several decades, but this delayed response of the ponderous climate system spells danger for young people. We can pass a point of no return, where it becomes impossible to avoid future Antarctic ice sheet disintegration and loss of coastal cities. Economic devastation and refugees could make the world ungovernable.

So, Mr. Buffett, I am heartened by the words in your last annual report, where you conclude that continued inaction on climate change “is foolhardy.” You wrote: “Call this Noah’s Law: If an Ark may be essential for survival (your emphasis), begin building it today.”

Mr. Buffett's Ark

If you're wondering how that happened it was because a couple of environmentalist groups bought an A-share so they could put a climate change measure on the ballot at the shareholder meeting.

I had to laugh at one friend of mine. His group was one that bought a share. They paid $180,000 for it. The current price is somewhere between $220,000 and $230,000. I had to explain it to him three times before he understood that their "investment" had gained $40K or more. He's a card carrying socialist and I think he was a bit stunned to find he'd become a capitalist despite his best efforts.

I'll see if I can find some pictures of the protest outside.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

It took seven years of protests, sit-ins, letter writing, and, finally, a presidential review to prevent the Keystone XL oil pipeline from being built. Now, in a matter of months, America's newest mega-pipeline—the Dakota Access Pipeline Project (DAPL)—has quietly received full regulatory permission to begin construction. Known also as the Bakken Pipeline, the project is slated to run 1,172 miles of 30-inch diameter pipe from North Dakota's northwest Bakken region down to a market hub outside Patoka, Illinois, where it will join extant pipelines and travel onward to refineries and markets in the Gulf and on the East Coast. If that description gives you déjà vu, it should: The Bakken Pipeline is only seven miles shorter than Keystone's proposed length.

The government quietly just approved this enormous oil pipeline

Notice they avoided Nebraska.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

North Dakota's Standing Rock Sioux aren't backing down to pipeline developers

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Scenes from the Dakota Access Pipeline protester camps

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

The Dakota Access Pipeline guards unleash attack dogs on our American Indian Water Protectors

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

That blood on the dog's mouth is from biting protesters. Six protesters and a horse were treated for dog-bite. Another dozen for pepper spray.

The dogs are reported to be owned by a private security company that provides dogs named "Frost Kennels."

 

[purves grundy]

Unbelievable scenes. Thanks for the updates.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Unbelievable scenes. Thanks for the updates.

The thing I've been constantly astounded by is the lack of any mainstream news coverage. When I compare it to the coverage of the Bundy group's occupation of federal lands I'm at a loss to explain it. The only things that come to mind is the color of the protester's skin and the presence of large calibre weapons.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

The Standing Rock Sioux had filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order on Sunday, after pipeline builder Dakota Access LLC bulldozed a section of the route west of Lake Oahe, N.D., which contained sacred sites and historical artifacts. One of the sites was a stone marker that the Tribe's cultural expert described in court filings as "one of the most significant archaeological finds in North Dakota in many years."

Opponents of the oil pipeline say they believe the company deliberately sought to destroy the artifacts, which are located along a two-mile stretch west of Lake Oahe. Dakota Access, a subsidiary of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, began bulldozing that area on Saturday—less than 24 hours after the tribe filed a court document detailing the 27 graves, 16 stone rings, 19 effigies and other artifacts found there. By Sunday, all of those sites had been destroyed or harmed, according to court filings.

"It's hard to say that it would be a coincidence," said Stephanie Tsosie, one of several attorneys who filed the restraining order on behalf of the tribe. Tsosie works for Earthjustice, an environmental advocacy law firm based in Seattle.

Mekasi Camp Horinek, a member of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma and coordinator of the advocacy group Bold Oklahoma, said there had been no recent construction along that part of the pipeline route until Labor Day weekend, when Dakota Access "leapfrogged about 10 miles from where they were to go those culturally significant sites and destroy them."

Patrick Parenteau, a law professor at Vermont Law School, said the timing "paints a very black picture" of the company's behavior.

Judge fails to block Dakota pipeline construction as Native American burial sites destroyed