Republicans block vote on Hagel; WTF?

[BobLibDem]

Republicans have a simple but wrong answer for everything. The Keystone Pipeline is not a magic panacea for jobs and cheap energy. The jobs are temporary and few in number while the effect on energy prices might be to raise them. For a fairly evenhanded assessment, see here.

By connecting Canadian oil to the Gulf, there is the distinct and likely possibility that Canada will begin exporting this type of crude oil, which would open the possibility for international buyers, thus increasing demand for Canadian Sour, and causing the price to rise. This is exactly why Canada is pushing so hard for this pipeline–the more potential buyers, the more demand, the higher it can be sold for. This is bad for American and Canadian motorists.

[StusBlues]

@BobLibDem

Republicans have a simple but wrong answer for everything. The Keystone Pipeline is not a magic panacea for jobs and cheap energy. The jobs are temporary and few in number while the effect on energy prices might be to raise them. For a fairly evenhanded assessment, see here.

This is a polemic against the pipeline. It may be a reasonable argument, but I wouldn’t call it evenhanded. It’s tough to find straight talk on this topic, really–the buzz has become deafening.

[Really_Not_All_That_Bright]

I am curious about the Cornell study cited in the editorial, though. Dave, is that something you’d like to weigh in on?

[BrainGlutton]

@LonghornDave

Therefore, from an environmental standpoint, it really is this simple: 1) is it better to transport this oil by pipeline or by a combination of pipelines, rail, and tankers; and 2) is it better to refine this oil in the U.S. or in China.

Or to 3) leave it in the ground, unburned.

[Gyrate]

@BrainGlutton

Or to 3) leave it in the ground, unburned.

Well now that’s just crazy talk.

[Marley23]

I agree this thread is probably winding down, but let’s take the Keystone XL discussion to another thread.

[LonghornDave]

@Really_Not_All_That_Bright

I am curious about the Cornell study cited in the editorial, though. Dave, is that something you’d like to weigh in on?

I will open a new thread in Great Debates if I get a chance. I am sorry for taking this thread off topic.