February 2nd, 2013 
Category: 
According to an article by the Globe and Mail, oil pipeline opponents are threatening to turn their sights on rail shipments next. Sixteen environmental groups signed a letter sent to CN’s CEO which includes the following paragraph:
“Unfortunately, there are far greater fatality, injury and environmental risks when transporting crude oil by rail than by pipeline,”
Can someone explain to me why they’re blocking pipelines again? Don’t they prefer the safer transportation option? Do these guys even drive cars? It’s not like British Colombia is an island you can tour on a bike in a couple of hours.
from one protest to another…
It must be a pain to move eco-protestors from one flashpoint to another while keeping a low carbon footprint.
In 50 years, all of this oil might not be worth much if alternate technologies are developed. Just think of how a breakthrough in battery technology could impact the industry. The transportation sector accounts for 70% of oil demand; a cheap and reliable electric vehicle is all it takes.
For the next few decades, we have an opportunity to capitalize on emerging economies. Millions of people rising from the ashes of poverty, looking to a similar lifestyle we enjoy in North America. They need energy, lots of it. Just look at China; demand is still growing, if we don’t ship to China someone else will. I’d rather we do the shipping….
In the meantime railing oil is ramping up, there’s no stopping it. But while volumes are increasing, pipelines are more efficient and cheaper to transport oil. The Federal government needs to get its act together and override all the whiners approving these east/west pipelines pronto for the sake of Canada’s national interest.
News Roundup
Bitumen trains help beat pipeline congestion for Alberta energy producers
Canadian prices below breakeven point for some new projects: Capital Economics
Ottawa gives Irving Oil tentative approval for west-to-east oil pipeline
OPEC Sees Oil Markets Well Supplied, No Price Collapse in 2013
China oil demand to grow 5% in 2013: Deutsche Bank
Blog Roundup
Internal Customer? Oh, you mean, “Welfare Recipient”
Have a Great Weekend!
I don’t get it…didnt they spend millions of dollars and man hours on the alaska pipeline? if its not a good idea what was that about then.
I was hinting at Northern Gateway in BC not Alaska.
Cheers,