Keystone XL Pipeline Indecision ----- It's Politics as Usual ----- And That's a Bad Thing for We the People

The Keystone XL Pipeline Timeline is worth contemplating:

Demonstrators lie down along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House during a protest against the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline, in March.

The regulatory review process for the Keystone XL pipeline has numerous twists and turns dating back to 2008. Here is a look:

Sept. 19, 2008


TransCanada files its first application to the State Department for a cross-border permit.

Oct. 15, 2010


Then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the administration was “inclined” to approve the pipeline, comments which galvanized environmentalists to protest the project.

Aug. 26, 2011


The State Department releases its first final environmental review of the project, concluding that it wouldn’t add significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. 

Nov. 10, 2011

Citing environmental concerns over the pipeline’s route in Nebraska, President Barack Obama says a final decision on the pipeline won’t come until after the 2012 presidential election because a new route must be selected.

Dec. 23, 2011


Mr. Obama signs into law legislation that requires he make a decision on the pipeline within 60 days.

Jan. 18, 2012


Mr. Obama formally rejects TransCanada’s permit, blames congressional Republicans for forcing his hand and signals that the company should apply for another permit.

May 4, 2012


TransCanada re-applies for the State Department permit, restarting the regulatory review process for a second time.

June 25, 2013

Drawing a new line in the sand, Mr. Obama says he will only approve the pipeline if it doesn’t “significantly exacerbate” climate change.

Jan. 31, 2014


The State Department releases its final environmental impact statement, finding—as the previous one did—that the pipeline would not significantly exacerbate climate change.

Feb. 19, 2014


A district court judge in Nebraska declares the law that allowed for the pipeline’s route through the state unconstitutional. It’s now awaiting review at the Nebraska Supreme Court.

April 18, 2014


The State Department announces it is indefinitely extending the inter-agency review of the pipeline, citing ongoing litigation over a Nebraska law that allowed the pipeline’s route through the state.


Summing Up


Politics sucks.


And because we choose our elected officials, in the end We the People get the various government results that we deserve.


I guess we don't deserve much from our government officials at the various national, state and local levels.


Because we sure don't get much --- good results, strong leadership and effective representation, that is.


Thanks. Bob.