Environmental Impact of Tar Sands Oil

The Keystone XL pipeline is a proposed project to transport 830,000 barrels of oil daily from Alberta, Canada, to Gulf Coast refineries. The project is supported by oil companies and the Canadian government due to its potential to create jobs and ease oil transport. However, environmentalists oppose it, citing increased carbon emissions from tar sands oil. President Obama stated he would not approve the pipeline if it significantly impacts climate change, though a State Department review suggested its impact might be minimal. The debate continues as green groups challenge this analysis.

What is the primary purpose of the Keystone XL pipeline?

• To carry oil from Alberta, Canada, to Gulf Coast refineries

• To connect Canadian and U.S. electricity grids

• To transport natural gas from Canada to the U.S.

• To provide water to drought-affected areas

Why do oil companies and the Canadian government support the Keystone XL pipeline?

• It will decrease dependency on renewable energy

• It will reduce oil prices globally

• It will create thousands of permanent jobs

• It will help in shipping oil to refineries more efficiently

What is a major environmental concern associated with tar sands oil?

• It produces less energy than regular oil

• It generates 17% more carbon dioxide than conventional oil

• It is less efficient in transportation

• It is more expensive to extract

What do environmentalists suggest as a better alternative to the Keystone XL pipeline?

• To build more pipelines

• To leave the oil in the ground

• To use more nuclear energy

• To increase the use of coal

What condition did President Obama set for approving the Keystone XL pipeline?

• It must create more than 10,000 jobs

• It should not significantly impact climate change

• It must be completed within two years

• It should reduce oil prices in the U.S.

What alternative transportation method is mentioned for the oil if the pipeline is blocked?

• Using trucks

• Flying it via cargo planes

• Transporting by rail

• Shipping by sea