In his first days in office, President Biden stopped the Keystone XL pipeline — a pipeline that had yet to be constructed but one that had been through years of permits and studies. Not only did his decision immediately lead to thousands of jobs being cut, but it ignores the need for an energy infrastructure that does (and will continue to) largely depend on oil. One frustration I have with the folks who are opposed to the Keystone XL and Line 3 pipelines is that they are effectively arguing for the United States to remain dependent on foreign oil. Through pipelines like these, we are allowing for the U.S. to transport more oil in a safer manner than relying on countries from the Middle East to provide this crucial part of our energy needs. The Line 3 replacement project will increase the amount of oil that can be safely transported by taking oil off our highways and railroads, and continue our quest toward energy independence for our great nation. Unlike Keystone, which does not currently exist, Line 3 was built more than 60 years ago and has been determined (ironically, by the Obama/Biden Administration) to be in great need of repair. This is another big frustration with pipeline opponents. If Line 3 is not repaired and replaced, it will continue to age and continue to pose incredible risks to our communities and our beautiful environment. Facts are facts. And the fact is, Line 3 needs to be replaced. And we need to continue to work towards energy independence which, for the time being, includes oil.
James Hunter
Crosby
