US President Donald Trump has signed executive actions to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipeline projects.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the moves on the pipelines will be subject to the terms and conditions being renegotiated by the US.
Former US President Barack Obama killed the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in late 2015, saying it would hurt American efforts to reach a global climate change deal. The pipeline would run from Canada to US refineries in the Gulf Coast. The US government needs to approve the pipeline because it crossed the border.
The reaction from the Trudeau government is positive. Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr says it will create more than 4,500 construction jobs. “We have been supportive of this from the day we were sworn into government and we believe that it’s a good project for both Canada and the United States and we’re very hopeful.”
Carr believes the project can go through while also maintaining their climate targets. “It is possible to have sustainable economic growth while at the same time maintaining our commitments.
Canada’s energy sector is thrilled with the news the Keystone XL pipeline has been approved. Tim McMillan with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is praising Trump’s executive order. “I think this is great news for Canada. I think it’s good news for North American economic development and it’s an announcement that’s going to mean a lot of jobs here in Canada.”
He hopes the TransCanada Corporation and US officials can negotiate new terms, saying this project benefits both countries and will help make Canada a more significant player on the global energy stage.
Credit: news1130.com
