U.S. President raises concerns about “tarsands” development
Posted Apr 7, 2011 8:24 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
American President Barack Obama declined to comment on the future of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline but did voice concern about the “potentially destructive nature” of the Canadian oilsands.
TransCanada Pipelines wants to build a multi-billion dollar pipeline that would boost oilsands crude shipments south of the border.
The U.S. President used the word “tarsands” more than once while responding to a question during an energy town hall meeting in Pennsylvania.
Danielle Droitsch with the Pembina Institute in Washington, D.C. believes Obama’s comments are a wake-up call on the need for oilsands operators to do a better job addressing the various environmental issues associated with development in Northern Alberta.
John Bennett with Sierra Club Canada thinks the issue has become so political a final decision could be put off until after the next U.S. presidential election.
Energy analyst Peter Linder with Delta One Capital doesn’t believe Obama’s comments are that damaging.
Linder points out that Obama’s remarks were made during the question and answer session, not during his formal presentation.
He believes that eventually, the pipeline will be approved, because America needs Canadian oil.
