Victory! TransCanada halts Keystone XL Pipeline!

Last night, the Associated Press reported here that the oil and gas corporation TransCanada  is withdrawing its application with the US federal government to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline through western Plains states from Canadian tar sands in Alberta to the Gulf of Mexico. Contrary to popular rhetoric, the pipeline would’ve caused few and temporary jobs for Americans, Canadians would’ve seen most of the benefits. The profits generated by the pipeline would have gone to TransCanada, not American workers. This is a temporary victory for those who oppose increased greenhouse gas emissions.

If this seems strange to you that TransCanada is doing this, it shouldn’t. First of all, the prices of oil and gas are ridiculously low and not as profitable as previously so that combined with all the scrutiny and controversy perhaps made it no longer worth it for the bottom line. Also, it looks like in any event that President Obama will deny the application before he leaves office. Thus, TransCanada could also be hoping for a Republican president more amenable to increased fossil fuel burning.

This is a solid victory for climate activists and it produces good vibes/karma heading into Paris, but there is no time to rest on laurels. It reminds us that while international agreements are paramount to mitigating ACC, a lot of progress can be flushed down the toilet if – let’s be honest – a Republican in elected to the White House in 2016. You are not a climate activist if you do not vote. Not showing up the polls is like ceding a vote to the Republicans. If young people and ethnic minorities show up to the polls in 2016, there will not be a “climate skeptic” in the White House.