Trump Calls for Immediate Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline
On the evening of Monday, President Donald Trump reignited the contentious debate surrounding the Keystone XL Pipeline, urging the project’s builders to “come back to America, and get it built—NOW!” His call to action signals not only a renewed focus on the critically important infrastructure project but also underscores the political divisions that have shaped its progress over the years.
Trump Blames Biden Administration for Halting Progress
During his remarks, Trump expressed frustration toward the Biden administration, which he accused of “viciously jettisoning” the pipeline project. He reassured supporters that his administration would provide “easy approvals” and an “almost immediate start” to the construction of the pipeline. Trump also implied that if the original builders were not willing to resume work, he was open to other companies stepping in to complete the project.
A Long and Tumultuous History
The Keystone XL Pipeline project was initiated in 2010 and has been at the center of political debate ever since. Originally intended to transport crude oil from Canada to the U.S. via a series of pipelines, the project faced numerous regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns. In 2015, former President Barack Obama halted the project, citing its potential environmental impacts. However, Trump revived the pipeline during his first term in office, advocating for energy independence and job creation.
Biden’s Executive Order and Its Impact
Upon taking office in January 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order to rescind the federal permits for the Keystone XL Pipeline, effectively terminating the project. This abrupt cancellation led to significant job losses, with thousands of workers in the pipeline sector left without work. TC Energy, the consortium responsible for the Keystone XL, announced in June 2021 that it would abandon the project due to Biden’s decision.
Judicial Challenges and Economic Impact
In 2023, a federal judge dismissed a legal challenge from nearly two dozen states seeking to reinstate the pipeline’s permits, further solidifying the obstacles in the pipeline’s path. As the political and legal battles unfold, former workers have expressed deep emotional distress over the cancellation, with many claiming they are still reeling from the abrupt end of their employment.
Projected Benefits of Keystone XL
Prior to its cancellation, the Keystone XL Pipeline was anticipated to be completed in early 2023. It was projected to transport an additional 830,000 barrels of crude oil from Canada to the U.S. This increase in capacity was expected to generate thousands of jobs, many of which would have been unionized, enhancing the labor landscape in the regions along the pipeline’s route.
According to a December 2022 report from the Department of Energy, the Keystone XL project had the potential to create between 16,149 and 59,000 jobs and to stimulate an economic impact ranging between .4 and .6 billion. These figures highlighted the missed economic opportunities as a result of the pipeline’s cancellation.
Revisiting the Pipeline Debate
Following Biden’s cancellation, critics—including Daniel Turner, founder of Power the Future—emphasized the broader economic consequences, stating that Biden’s actions cost “tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars,” leaving American families facing higher energy costs. The Keystone XL was designed to transport oil from Alberta to U.S. markets in states like Illinois, Texas, and Oklahoma, which could have bolstered both local and national economies.
Alberta’s Premier Seeks Reinstatement Talks
In a somewhat surprising twist, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has indicated a desire to reopen discussions about the Keystone XL pipeline with the Trump administration, should he pursue a comeback in the political arena. Smith emphasized that restarting the Keystone XL aligns with efforts to lower energy costs and enhance North American energy independence by reducing reliance on foreign oil imports.
Potential Legal Challenges Ahead
Experts have cautioned that if Trump decides to push forward with Keystone XL construction, he could face substantial legal challenges from environmental groups and some state governments. However, there are also suggestions that Congress could take steps to limit potential litigation hindering the project.
Conclusion
As Trump rallies support for the Keystone XL Pipeline, the debate surrounding it remains emblematic of larger issues concerning energy policy, environmental protection, and labor economics in the United States. With such historical complexities, any renewed efforts to advance the pipeline will undoubtedly provoke a myriad of responses from various stakeholders across the political spectrum.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Aubrie Spady and Danielle Wallace.
