Keystone Debate Continues

Original plans for the Keystone XL Pipeline

Despite a recent rejection by US President Barack Obama, TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline is back on the front burner.

The proposed pipeline would carry oil from Alberta, through southwest Saskatchewan near Shaunavon to Gulf Coast refineries.

Congressional Republicans are dicussing linking approval of the controversial project to a new jobs bill being introduced next week.

They insist the project will create jobs and will help end U.S. reliance on oil from OPEC regimes.

Two weeks ago, the Obama administration rejected Keystone XL's permit application because the deadline did not give the State Department enough time to conduct an adequate environmental review of a new pipeline route to avoid an environmentally sensitive aquifer in Nebraska.

TransCanada has already agreed to reroute the pipeline and intends to re-submit its application to the State Department.

Meanwhile, a

group of 44 U.S. senators have signed on to proposed legislation that would authorize the pipeline.

Shaunavon has stated their support of the project and are hopeful its construction would create a boost of economic activity in the town.