Message below was emailed to the White House on 02-14-15. I have sent similar messages to Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez and to Representatives
Rodney Frelinghuysen and Leonard Lance.
Bill Allen, 02-24-15
Mr. President:
The U.S. Senate passed a bill to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. The House passed this version. It will go to you, and you are expected to veto it.
Several amendments were submitted and voted on during the Senate debate. One said that humans are contributing to climate change. It received 59 yes votes, including 15 from Republicans.
This is progress. A substantial majority of U.S. senators are on record in support of the proposition that “it is extremely likely that global increases in atmospheric (greenhouse gas) concentrations and global temperatures are caused by human activities.” The logical next step is action to reduce these activities and slow the increases.
I propose a compromise. Congress will adopt, and you will sign a bill to authorize Keystone XL that contains sense-of-Congress language that follows:
“Human activities are increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and thereby contributing to global warming and climate change. The federal government should act to reduce these activities.”
The Keystone XL debate is more about symbols than substance. Those who support it claim it will produce jobs. The official report for the project estimates that thirty five permanent jobs will be produced. Construction over two years will add $3.4 billion to our $17 trillion economy.
Those who oppose the pipeline cite the risks of leaks, which are real. With careful construction and monitoring, they will be lower than the risks from transport of oil by train.
Very important as a symbol is the reserve of fossil fuel in the Canadian oil sands. Carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels is the most important greenhouse gas. If we want to reduce the use of fossil fuels, we should not facilitate development of this reserve. Note, however, that energy is a key component of the Canadian economy. A pipeline to the Canadian west coast will probably be constructed if Keystone XL is not.
The proposed compromise will open the door to the economic benefits of the pipeline. It will put Congress on record in support of action to slow production of all greenhouse gases. This is more important than action focused on oil sands.
This will be a good bargain overall and will show that you and Congress can work together.
Mr. President: Please consider this proposal.
Bill Allen