Keystone has no redeeming value: Opposing view

The oil that would be carried by the Keystone XL pipeline is the most environmentally destructive on the planet, and would traverse the American agricultural heartland, only to then be exported.

If constructed, the pipeline would put communities and one of the world's largest aquifers — which provides drinking and irrigation water to millions of Americans — at grave risk of spills. TransCanada's Keystone 1 pipeline leaked 14 times in its first year of operation.

The risks that come with these pipelines are simply not in our national interest. The destruction of Canada's pristine boreal forests — over an area the size of Florida — is already significantly affecting the livelihoods and health of communities downstream from the projects, which are experiencing increased rates of rare cancers and other serious diseases.

The evidence is clear: The Keystone XL pipeline would stimulate the development of the Canadian tar sands, which would lead to more greenhouse gas emissions and lock in fossil fuel infrastructure at a time when scientists are sounding the alarms on the need to leave fossil fuels in the ground.

Three tar sands mining projects have been canceled this year due to uncertainty of proposed pipeline project developments, a demonstration that the rejection of this pipeline would help stop the expansion of this destructive industry.

The solar and wind energy industries are booming and would progress even faster if adequate resources were directed toward their development.

We must lay to rest the tired argument that we should invest in dirty energy in order to create jobs. Clean-tech jobs are not only outpacing the oil industry, they are also higher-paying, safer and more diverse.

The final decision over the Keystone XL pipeline rests with President Obama, and the people have demonstrated their desire for urgent action on climate change.

All supposed benefits — jobs, energy security and safety — have been debunked, time and again. Keystone XL has no redeeming value and benefits only TransCanada and political convenience.

The people want 21st century energy provision, and they want it now.

Erich Pica is president of Friends of the Earth U.S.