TransCanada has made it known to the public that the Keystone Pipeline will not be operational until 2016- assuming that it even gets approval from the administration. Though the pipeline has been a point of controversy for environmentalists and industry leaders, the drawn out review for its construction has served to slowly decrease its relevance in the public eye.
In the years that have passed while pending the pipeline’s approval, oil-by-rail transportation has boomed, the amount of oil transported by this means doubling in the last two years alone. This method would only increase in popularity and success in the time it takes to construct Keystone, leading many to question the pipeline’s relevance.
Supporters of Keystone, including environmentalists, are still fighting for the pipeline, undaunted by the fact that some are beginning to consider it non-essential.
Jill Donovan, a graduate of California’s Polytechnic University in San Louis Obispo, is the Communications Director for Nouveau Corporation.