Editorial
The U.S. government's recent announcement that there will be yet another delay in the possible approval of the Keystone XL pipeline project is anything but good news for Alberta.
One of the largest pipeline projects ever proposed in North America, the Keystone pipeline would carry millions of barrels of oil from northeastern Alberta to the U.S. deep south.
Once up and running, the pipeline could all but ensure that Alberta petroleum has a ready market for years and decades to come.
And make no mistake, only by having stable and sustainable markets for the province's natural resources can the long-term prosperity of Alberta be secured.
Without that security Albertans become vulnerable to the whims of politicians outside provincial and national borders – and that is something no jurisdiction should be forced to endure.
Not surprisingly Premier Dave Hancock has been quick to call the latest politically driven delays in Keystone bad news for Alberta.
“Keystone XL has been rigorously studied,” said Hancock. “We believe the project is in North America's best interest as it provides energy security, jobs and a dependable energy source from an environmentally responsible and democratic friend and ally.”
The federal government and Alberta's opposition parties have also, rightly, come out in defence of Alberta's vital oil and gas industry and its plans.
"We are disappointed that politics continue to delay a decision on Keystone XL," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “This project will create tens of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border, will enhance the energy security of North America, has strong public support, and the U.S. State Department has, on multiple occasions, acknowledged it will be environmentally sound.”
No question, making Alberta's oil and gas industry viable over the long term is a must for this province and indeed for Canada.
At the same time, any and all projects involving Alberta's oil and gas industry should and must be held to the highest environmental standards. Anything less is unacceptable.
“Alberta's commitment to responsible environmental management strongly positions us as the safest and most secure energy supplier to our American neighbours,” said Premier Hancock.
Without a secure market for the province's oil and gas, the hospitals, schools, roadways and a myriad of other projects and programs that rely on resource revenues are in jeopardy, including right here in West Central Alberta.
The U.S. political battles now underway, which make Canada's party squabbles look tame by comparison, are having an impact right here in Alberta.
Hopefully, this latest delay in Keystone will be the last – for everyone's sake.
