The Keystone XL pipeline, if approved, will bring millions of barrels of dirty tar sands crude oil to the US gulf coast and act as a catalyst for the expansion of this source of oil. Without KXL, the industry will struggle to find new markets to support its growth. Last month, we exposed the fact that the U.S. doesn’t need more tar sands oil and refiners are gearing up to export the pipeline’s oil through increasing diesel exports.
The State Department approval process is coming to a close. A series of hearings have been taking place along the pipeline route from Montana to Texas. Many of these have been coopted by an industry AstroTurf effort that has seen pipeline supporters bussed in and hearing conveners giving them priority. This Friday in Washington DC, we have a chance to make our voices heard within the official public consultation process.
There will be a public hearing from 10am to 2pm at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Atrium Hall, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC. All members of the public will be given a chance to comment. Procedures for the meeting are posted here.
At the same time there will be a demonstration outside the building. It would be great if you can attend one or both.
Additionally, we would also like to invite you to the premier screening of Pipe Dreams, a new documentary about Keystone XL which will be screened at the DC Environmental Film Festival on Thursday evening October 6th. Oil Change International’s Research Director Lorne Stockman will be on a panel after the screening. The screening is free but you need to RSVP to ensure a space. See here for details.