Protect Our Land; Say NO to Tar Sands!
- by: Sierra Club
- recipient: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Tar sands oil is the dirtiest fuel in the world, and its development will destroy ancient forests, increase carbon pollution, and continue America's dependence on oil. A new project -- The Keystone XL pipeline -- is under review, and the State Department is not doing enough to make sure the environmental impacts are addressed.
In addition to the basic risks tar sands oil presents, the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would put 30 percent of our nation's agricultural water at risk of contamination. This is a risk we can't afford to take.
This issue will not be addressed in public hearings, and we only have 45 days to comment. If we don't speak out, this pipeline project could move ahead without proper environmental review.
Tell the State Department to fully consider ALL the impacts of this dangerous oil pipeline before the public comment period ends on June 6th.
Subject: Stop the Proposed Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline
Dear Secretary Clinton,
While I am glad that the State Department released a much-needed supplemental draft environmental impact statement for the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline, I was disappointed to learn that the document overlooked major concerns raised by local communities and concerned citizens like me. Moreover, I am dismayed to learn that the State Department is not giving impacted communities an opportunity to attend local public hearings and ask that this oversight be immediately corrected.
I further ask that the State Department stop pandering to foreign pipeline companies and protect American interests by doing a better job at analyzing the risks of Keystone XL. This analysis should include a serious look at the global warming consequences of spreading tar sands throughout the United States, a better review of alternate routes that avoid the fragile and beautiful Sandhills and major aquifers such as the Ogalalla and the Carrizo-Wilcox, actual scientific analysis on the corrosive nature of tar sands oil, which impacts pipeline safety and increases the risk of spills; and real consideration of the environmental justice impacts of expanded refinery operations in American communities.
Keystone XL would be a massive mistake. Instead of continuing our dependence on dirty oil, America should be investing in green transportation solutions. Please consider these comments and reject the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.
