It appears there is a possibility that President Obama could veto congressional legislation that pushes for Keystone XL pipeline construction, but ultimately approve the project anyway. This is because a key piece of the puzzle is a Nebraska Supreme Court decision. “If Nebraska were to bless a pipeline route, the State Department could finish its… Keep reading →
Near the end of his appearance on the “Colbert Report” earlier this week, President Obama tells host Stephen Colbert that getting things done is the real satisfaction he takes from his job: “I love the job, and it’s an incredible privilege. But when you’re in it you’re not thinking about it in terms of titles.… Keep reading →
Last week, after legislators returned from an election where some campaigned heavily on energy-related issues like the Keystone XL Pipeline, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives again voted to send legislation approving that project to the President’s desk. Then, the outgoing Democratic Majority in the Senate also took action, though it failed to reach the 60-vote… Keep reading →
A bill aimed to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline failed in the Senate by one vote short of the threshold required for passage. On November 18, 2014, the U.S. Senate rejected S. 2280, a bill aimed to approve the cross-border Keystone XL pipeline that would carry crude oil from Alberta to Gulf Coast refineries.… Keep reading →
Canada needs to “get its house in order” regarding carbon emissions, according to Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau. If Canada shows it’s serious about dealing with climate change by putting a price on carbon at the national level – Alberta has a carbon tax structure – then it would be easier for the Obama administration… Keep reading →
In a global carbon emissions context, the Keystone XL pipeline is a drop in the bucket. The greenhouse gas emissions generated from developing Canada’s oil sands – 6.8% of total 2010 Canadian GHG emissions – are one piece of a very large global climate puzzle. Tailpipe and power plant emissions are far greater sources of GHG’s. And… Keep reading →
Some banks are sticking it out in commodities as several others exit the business amid onerous regulations and decreasing profitability. The banks that stick around – including Goldman Sachs – face less competition. [Bloomberg] Putin feels emboldened by the fact that major western oil companies remain committed to Russia despite the current souring of relations… Keep reading →
The Obama administration announced last week – read the State Department’s statement here – it would further delay making a decision on the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline project until later this year – almost certainly after the midterm elections. The latest delay has many stakeholders up in arms, to say the least. In an… Keep reading →
The New York Times’ Coral Davenport tally’s the emissions numbers on Keystone XL which show the oil infrastructure project would likely have a limited impact on climate change. The anti-Keystone movement largely acknowledges this, but says the fact that presidential approval is required makes it a potent climate change symbol that indicates the United States’… Keep reading →
Last week 11 democratic senators signed a letter to President Obama urging a Keystone Pipeline decision be made by May 31. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota spearheaded the letter along with new Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana. The senators expressed the importance of not missing the summer construction season.… Keep reading →
