Former President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to restart the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project, which President Joe Biden canceled in 2021. Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social, calling for an “almost immediate start” to the construction of the pipeline. The project, which was supposed to run for about 1,200 miles from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska, would have transported approximately 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Biden halted the project due to concerns about environmental damage and threats to Native American lands. Many environmentalists and tribal leaders opposed the pipeline, fearing it could harm ecosystems and water supplies. Despite these concerns, Trump has once again sparked debate by pushing for the pipeline’s construction. He stated that the company responsible for the project should return to the U.S. and resume work under his leadership. If not, he suggested that another company could take over the project.
History of the Keystone XL Pipeline
The Keystone XL pipeline was first proposed during President Obama’s administration but was rejected due to environmental concerns. Trump later revived the project in 2017, arguing that it would create jobs and boost the economy. However, on his first day in office, Biden canceled the project, saying it was necessary to fight climate change.
Critics of the pipeline worry about the risks of oil spills. The existing Keystone pipeline, which has been in operation since 2010, has already experienced multiple spills. In 2019, it leaked about 383,000 gallons of oil in North Dakota, affecting nearby wetlands. Activists believe Keystone XL could pose similar risks.
Additionally, Native American tribes have long opposed the project. While the pipeline would not run directly through tribal lands, it would pass upstream of reservations, raising concerns about water contamination. Many tribal members also fear that an influx of workers into small communities could disrupt their way of life.
Biden’s Justification for the Cancellation
Biden has stood by his decision, citing climate change as a serious threat. He stated that global warming is one of the greatest physical threats to the U.S., potentially leading to mass displacement and conflicts over land. He emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels to combat climate change and protect future generations.
With Trump pushing for the revival of Keystone XL, the debate over environmental protection versus economic benefits is once again in the spotlight. Whether the pipeline will be restarted remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding it continues.
