Obama denies Keystone XL permit; proponents and critics weigh in on decision

Luke Metzger, Environment Texas Director

Last week, President Barack Obama denied a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline project that would transport Canadian oil from eastern Alberta to Texas refineries in Port Arthur and Houston. Proponents of the pipeline said the President’s decision will cost thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in new investments. Critics of the pipeline hailed the President’s decision as a victory for the environment and clean, renewable energy.

Barry Smitherman, Texas Railroad Commissioner

The Texas Tribune recently ran two guest columns presenting both sides of the issue. Click here to read Texas Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman’s argument for the pipeline. The Texas Railroad Commission regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, including pipelines. Smitherman is also the former chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission, which regulates the state’s electric industry. Click here to read Luke Metzger’s argument against the pipeline. Metzger is the founder and director of Environment Texas, which advocates for clean air, clean water and open spaces.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit online media outlet that covers public policy, politics, government, energy, education and numerous other topics important to all Texans.

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About Will Holford

Have you ever wondered about the future of electric use? Perhaps you’re curious about how some global or national events might impact your power, the environment or your bill? Maybe you’re just interested in what’s going on at Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. We want to share what we know, and that’s what the Bluebonnet Blog is about. Will Holford, Bluebonnet’s Manager of Public Affairs, is going to write most often for the blog. He’s been with the co-op since 2007, and has worked in communications for more than 14 years. Will enjoys learning about energy – and writing about it. He and other Bluebonnet employees (and occasional guest contributors) will get the conversation going -- about everything from where your power is generated to where it’s used, advances in technology, changes that will affect you, and interesting peeks behind the scenes at the co-op. We welcome your comments, questions and ideas. Email Will at will.holford@bluebonnet.coop.

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