WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Physicians for Social Responsibility executive director Jeff Carter released the following statement, responding to reports that the State Department will approve a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline:
“The Keystone XL pipeline threatens our health and climate, ranging from possible water contamination to increased danger of reaching a climate tipping point. There’s no need for the project. It should not be built.
“Keystone XL would carry the dirtiest oil on the planet. It is heavy, corrosive and more prone to leakage. It’s also carbon-heavy. At a time when decisive action to reverse climate change is needed, the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline would make the problem worse. Extracting that oil, transporting it, processing it and eventually burning it would hasten climate change, which is impacting our health now.
“This fight is far from over. TransCanada still needs state approvals, and there is staunch opposition from tribes and landowners in many states. PSR will continue to fight alongside our allies to stop it.”
Background:
The oil that would be carried by the Keystone XL pipeline would be transported from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico for refining and export, imposing risks to U.S. soil and water. Smaller pipelines carrying this crude oil have already had numerous spills. This dangerous oil would be piped through the U.S. heartland, crossing the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the country's largest sources of freshwater.
Besides the danger of water and land contamination, building the pipeline would also accelerate climate change. Estimates project that the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline would, if approved, be responsible for at least 181 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. That’s comparable to the tailpipe emissions from more than 37.7 million cars, more than are registered in California, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Michigan and New York, combined.
Health effects of climate change include threats to the food supply due to more frequent flooding, heat waves and drought. Heat also increases the formation of ozone air pollution, increasing asthma and other lung problems. Climate change further harms health when physical damage, loss of heat and electricity, and flooding affect our hospitals, homes and infrastructure.
