Bad news for Houston? (Booker, China: live, vs, statistics)

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by vegankris

Good news. I am happy they are looking beyond the $$$ and making a decision that will benefit everyone in the long run rather than just looking at the short term benefits.

Exactly,
if we only cared about money, we wouldn't have any libraries or museums (produce $0)

[heightsian]

Outside of the environmental impact (which has been discussed primarily), there's also a question that rarely comes up but is being fought on the state by state level (Nebraska, for example) with bipartisan support -- should a foreign company (in this case, TransCanada) be able to utilize eminent domain to seize property from US citizens? TransCanada reportedly has been suing property owners who aren't allowing them access to their private property for the pipeline; 34 of those landowners are in Texas. It's one thing when the government seizes property for public use; it's another when a corporation is threatening to make use of that same power against citzens -- especially of another country -- for questionable "public good". It really surprises me how little attention this issue receives.

This is an interesting take on the issue: http://www.norfolkdailynews.com/news...a4bcf6878.html

[Sunderpig2]

Very good point heightsian, and one that I was going to bring up. These people need to be factored in. They obviously realized the situation, banded together, and are standing up to their rights and liberties.

This potential pipeline - which stretches over a vast distance across our country - affects a huge number of landowners, families, and businesses. You may not give a damn about them, but they represent a large number of American citizens who have rights too. Much of this land has been in families for many years (often hundreds of years). That's certainly longer than anyone in Washington, or any of these energy companies. They have the right to their lands and continuing their way of living, without government/industry intrusion; taking their land and disrupting their lives. And that also includes individual residences (just like you and I), and existing businesses that would be affected too. The sheer number of persons, families, and businesses impacted by this pipeline idea is many times larger than the relatively small (and inflated) number of jobs that might be created.

Besides all of that, the energy industry is making a killing these days and reaping in trillions. Why are those in the energy industry supposed to be treated like Gods? "Oh most worthy Energy Industry, we will sacrifice anything to you, and ignore everyone to help you. We worship thee. You and your products are all that matter in life".

[ethanw]

Obama rejects
Keystone crude
oil pipeline

President puts responsibility for rejection on political gamesmanship by Republicans.

So it is political after all... Very sad sad day

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by vegankris

Good news. I am happy they are looking beyond the $$$ and making a decision that will benefit everyone in the long run rather than just looking at the short term benefits. That pipeline would have been a disaster. At the point we are even looking at oil sands.... should be a HUGE wake up call that we need to look beyond fossil fuels and focus on alternative fuel sources. Plenty of jobs can come from that kind of industry. We only need to invest money and time into it, rather than the status quo of fossil fuels.

Yes, and in the interim, let's become totally addicted to OPEC oil. There's always two edges to that sword.

Ronnie

[Sunderpig2]

We'll never get anywhere when we're fixated on oil as the one and only energy source that should ever be considered and worth looking at, and no one tries to modify transportation and habits to reduce the need for it. The first step should always be to look for ways to conserve energy, and eliminate wasteful usage. The next would be to grow up and look at other possibilities beyond oil. Face it, petroleum is a limited resource. The more we use it, the quicker it's going to go away. The future can only be ignored for so long. We can stay on the same old path that won't move us forward, or we can start looking for new ways to solve the problem.

[vegankris]

Originally Posted by HoustonRonnie

Yes, and in the interim, let's become totally addicted to OPEC oil. There's always two edges to that sword.

Ronnie

We already are, pipeline or not.

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by vegankris

We already are, pipeline or not.

And with a wave of your hand you dismiss over 200 billion barrels of crude oil that's not in an OPEC nation.

Ronnie

[Illủmiñatex]

Originally Posted by vegankris

We already are, pipeline or not.

Isnt your family's livelihood supported by the oil industry? You moved your kids to the barrio, have no means of protecting yourselves from viscious dogs or burglars, and would love to see your whole family's livelihood torn to the ground if you had your way. Apparently you also starve yourself into psychosis. It all makes perfect sense now. I'll bet everyone wishes they could have a spouse as supportive as you.

[BookerEast]

Thats 200 billion barrels of reserve OR going to Asia, depending on the almighty profit