© 2012 350.org/Flickr cc by nc sa 2.0
Yesterday, our Chairman, former Vice President
Al Gore, joined Bill McKibben of 350.org and thousands across the country to petition the U.S. Senate to reject the Keystone XL pipeline. Specifically, we asked the Senate to oppose an amendment that would short-circuit President Obama’s decision to
reject the permit for the pipeline. We joined a diverse coalition of environmental groups, progressive campaigns and businesses to bring that message to the U.S. Senate.
Our message was heard loud and clear. In just under seven hours, we smashed through our goal of 500,000 messages opposing the Keystone XL pipeline. And in just one day, from noon on Monday to noon today, we’ve collected over 781,000 messages telling our Senators to reject this latest effort to build this pipeline so we can stop the dangerous carbon pollution it carries.
© 2012 350.org
The threat from the pipeline is clear. Tar sands oil is one of the most carbon-intensive oils on the planet. The EPA estimates that carbon pollution from the pipeline – from extraction to refining to storage at your local gas station – would be 82% higher than average crude refined in America. This translates to an additional 27 million metric tons of carbon per year – and impacts we simply cannot afford. Think about it this way: An additional 27 million metric tons per year is equal to the annual emissions from
seven coal-fired power plants.
Over three-quarters of a million Americans signed a petition to make it clear that if we’re going to solve the climate crisis, we cannot build this pipeline. A few hours ago, the coalition took your messages up to Capitol Hill and delivered them to the Senate leadership. Thank you for telling our leaders to stand up to the oil industry’s lobbyists and reject this pipeline once and for all. If you haven’t yet, take a look at our petition and help spread the word.
MORE LIKE THIS: Feature // Keystone XL // tarsands
jan
February 14th
The rejection is not really a rejection if the company can repermit. Why was this a stipulation if the Obama administration cares that this pipeline not be built? And why are people ignoring that one is already in service in this country and this tarsands crud is being refined and burned in the U.S. already?
And realistically, you won’t solve the climate crisis in part at least until you stop the tarsands. Canada is already negotiating with China to get a pipeline to the Pacific to export it even though it has been vocally protested by indigenous people who are already suffering because of it. So what do we do even if the Keystone XL is not built here? That won’t stop it from being burned and the Boreal Forest from being destroyed. So again, what is the next step? When do we get really serious about stopping this? Or is it truly too late to stop this environmental catastrophe?
Where was everyone when the tarsands started? I saw Al Gore out here talking about it, I was out here, some others were out here, but nobody listened then. I also signed this (like I have signed a hundred others because I do care) but I know you like other organizations are playing this up for politics too. However, this goes so far beyond one petition.
Even if you stop this move by the senate, again after the election the company can repermit and it can be approved then after their “environmental” review and there will nothing we can do about it. That is why partisan politics will also not solve this crisis.
jan
February 15th
Also, I believe in the same “transportation bill” there was Arctic drilling included because I was asked to send a message to my Congressman regarding it which I certainly did. If so, why wasn’t that on this petition as well? Because it makes Obama look bad? As I stated, playing politics with this will not solve this crisis.
jan
February 15th
“Dear Jan,
This week, Rep. -will vote on a bill that includes a measure to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. The Arctic Refuge is our greatest wilderness icon and is home to caribou, polar bears, and hundreds of bird species that migrate to all 50 states and six continents. It’s a pristine, intact ecosystem that is unparalleled in North America, and for the first time in six years, pro-drilling Representatives are pushing to open this amazing place to Big Oil’s dirty, dangerous drills.
There are some places in this country that are just too extraordinary to drill, and the Arctic Refuge is one of them – Rep. Payne needs to hear from you before this important vote.
Please call Rep. -at (202) 225-3436 today and ask him to vote against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and HR 7 – the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (also known as the Transportation bill.)”
Where is the petition for this?