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Secretary Clinton Supports Clean Energy, But Will She Stop Dirty Tar Sands?
By Kate Colarulli, Sierra Club
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Yesterday at the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed energy efficiency and clean energy when asked about rising gas prices. This is a great public statement from such a crucial Administration leader –- but there’s one lingering problem for Secretary Clinton to handle: the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.
Notice how she did not comment on tar sands or on the proposed tar sands mega-pipeline, Keystone XL –- here’s part of the hearing’s transcript:
Senator Lindsay Graham: Let’s talk about oil. Gas prices are going to go up to 4 dollars a gallon, I think we are well on our way. Are you familiar with the oil sands in Canada? Clinton: Yes, sir. Graham: And the pipeline that’s being proposed to be built from Canada to Texas , I think Louisiana? Clinton: Yes, sir. Graham: I have been told that the second largest deposit of oil is in the oil sands in Canada and that it is equal to or greater than Saudi Arabia and Iran and there is a problem with the pipeline. What’s your view of the pipeline? Should America be trying to receive this oil? Clinton: Senator since my department bears the ultimate responsibility for making a recommendation on the pipeline I am not able to at this time express an opinion… Graham: Are you generally supportive of receiving more oil from Canada and less from the Mid East? Clinton: I am generally supportive of receiving more oil from Canada. I am absolutely supportive of us doing more in energy efficiency and renewables and looking for clean ways to use our own resources as well.The Keystone XL pipeline has been highly controversial with Americans. The pipeline as proposed would carry this toxic oil 2,000 miles across the American heartland and directly through the Ogallala aquifer, the source of one-third of U.S. agricultural water. The Secretary has previously promised an objective and thorough evaluation of the project.
In his questions, Senator Graham displays a belief that the answer to rising oil prices lies in increasing imports from Canada. Secretary Clinton herself even says she’s generally supportive of receiving more oil from Canada. Although a common belief, the idea that American security can be found in oil imports is fundamentally flawed.
Keep reading this blog post on the Sierra Club website
Tagged with: keystone xl, hillary clinton
