Rhetoric VS. Reality
Policy-makers are talking a lot about energy and energy policy. What follows are some of the most frequently heard claims and proposals, along with realities that need to be considered when evaluating these claims.
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Energy Forum News
Energy plays key role in Obama's State of the Union
For the third year in a row energy played a central role in President Obama's State of the Union address, with the president leaning hard this year on the twin themes of increased domestic oil and gas production and the need to invest more in renewable sources.
Political Price for Keystone Delay?
Will Obama pay a political price for the Keystone Pipeline delay?
Republicans push plan to force Keystone XL decision
Senate Republicans are pushing legislation that would force the Obama administration to decide whether to permit the controversial Keystone XL pipeline within two months if passed.
TransCanada Pipeline Bill Would Force U.S. Permit Within 60 Days
Senate Republicans introduced a bill that would require the Secretary of State to issue a U.S. permit for the Keystone XL pipeline within 60 days. This still "provides adequate time for Nebraska to shift the route of the pipeline" while allowing construction to begin elsewhere.
Obama punts Keystone XL pipeline
The State Department on Thursday announced that it's punting a decision on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline until at least the first quarter of 2013. House Speaker John Boehner responded: "More than 20,000 new American jobs have just been sacrificed in the name of political expediency".
Survey: 79 percent of voters want more oil from Canada
79 percent of registered voters said they would like to see America import more of the oil it needs from Canada, "rather than other foreign countries...if America continues to need to import some oil to meet our energy needs."
Pipeline Construction Would Bring Thousands Of Jobs To Oklahoma
And jobs can come to our state too. If approved, construction and support of the Keystone XL pipeline can bring thousands of American jobs.
Canada's Oil Sands Are a Jobs Gusher
In 2011, the International Monetary Fund estimates Canada will grow at 2.9%; and unemployment is now 7.3%. One explanation for Canada's more robust growth is its strong commitment to energy. Alberta is now producing two million barrels per day but expects that number will grow to four to five million within a decade.
TransCanada says Keystone XL will be safest pipeline in U.S.
TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL Pipeline will be the safest crude oil pipeline built in America, according to officials of the Calgary-based company.
Energy in America: Controversy Over Oil Sands Pipeline Project Approval
A 4-by-8-mile pit deep in the wilderness of northwest Canada is taking center stage in America's energy debate. Read more about (and view) this story about how America can gain more energy from this rich source.
Keystone XL Pipeline Video
Learn more about the value of the Keystone XL Pipeline and how to submit Public Comments to the State Department to move the approval process forward!
Minnesota Businesses And Builders Back Keystone XL Pipeline Project
Minnesota's Building and Construction Trade Council and state's Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Secretary Hillary Clinton urging the State Department to immediately approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project to enhance America's energy security.
Canadian Oil to the U.S. Rescue
We should not ignore the multitude of reasons to build the Keystone XL pipeline - above and beyond the impact to American jobs and the economy: Canadian oil we need in the United States being diverted to other parts of the world; a pipeline that is a more environmentally sound way to transport oil; high oil prices; turmoil in the Middle East - and yes - there are the tens of thousands of jobs and millions in revenue.
Can We Do Without the Mideast?
Imagine a foreign policy version of the movie "Groundhog Day," with Bill Murray playing the president of the United States. The alarm clock rings. Political mayhem is again shaking the Middle East, crude oil and gasoline prices are climbing, and an economic recovery is under threat. Is this what we are facing once again?
Our view: Allow Keystone oil pipeline expansion
USA Today's OpEd sends the clearest message about the Keystone XL Pipeline in in the last sentence: "And here's something else to consider: If the U.S. blocks the pipeline, Canadian developers have made it clear they'll be glad to build west instead of south -- and sell oil from the West Coast to China."
Our view: Allow Keystone oil pipeline expansion
USA Today's OpEd sends the clearest message about the Keystone XL Pipeline in in the last sentence: "And here's something else to consider: If the U.S. blocks the pipeline, Canadian developers have made it clear they'll be glad to build west instead of south -- and sell oil from the West Coast to China."
Why Is Gas Cheaper In Midwest? Thank Canada
While gas prices are rising all over the country, why are gas prices still remaining relatively low in the Midwest? Thank Canada and the country's plentiful supply of Canadian oil sands.
U.S. Department of Energy Report Supports Keystone XL Study
A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-commissioned study finds the Keystone XL pipeline would help reduce U.S. imports of foreign oil from sources outside of North America.
EPA Again Delays Tighter Ozone Restrictions until July 2011
The EPA announced that it will wait until July to set new limits on ground-level ozone, delaying a final decision for the third time in a year of tge potentially costly environmental rule.
EPA Plans Late-December Release for New Ozone Standard
The EPA has pushed its deadline for issuing its final ruling on the new, lower ozone regulations. Good news since "These regulations are going to slow down business expansion and our economic recovery..." per Howard Feldman, director of regulatory and scientific affairs at the American Petroleum Institute.