My comment is the same here as the other thread.
I know we have not built any new refineries in a long time.
That does not mean we cannot or should not.
I also know that there are plans to close several existing refineries, particularly in Kalifornia.
I know that fuel’s (and jobs!) are needed nationwide.
I know that a large percentage of our refineries are clustered in the Gulf region.
I know that a bad hurricane there can shut down too much of our refinery capacity.
I know that several short pipelines may be easier to build, and harder to stop, that one long one.
From what I know, instead of building a single very long pipeline all the way to the gulf we should branch it East and West, with refineries at each terminus.
Locally refined fuel is less expensive for consumers.
This is clearly illustrated here in Nevada.
Most of the state gets Kalifornia fuel, but NE Nevada gets fuel from Utah, which retails for .25¢ to .50¢ LESS per gallon than the Kalifornia blends.
So please explain why are we putting all of our eggs in a single basket with this project!
Inordinate gulf coast influence?
NIMBY opposition to new refineries elsewhere?
Just shortsighted stupidity?
Other?
re: refineries decentralized
I agree completely with you.
I sit here and wonder why a candidate or commentator has not had the common sense to either pose the question or explain why all the refineries have to be in one area.
You want everything at once and have not learned how to win through incrementalism.
They can cut into this pipeline at any time to divert to other locations.
More importantly, Bakken Shale Oil can be run into this pipeline as well, plus any other oil discovered in the future along its route.
The biggest obstacle to more refineries is the EPA. State governments would allow construction, but the feds stick their fingers into everything.
Here in Pennsylvania, some locals claimed their water wells were contaminated by hydraulic fracturing. The drilling company provided water for everyone as tests were performed on their water and the natural gas wells. Tests were conducted by the drilling company, by the state of Pennsylvania and by independent organizations. Nobody could find a link and the well water was deemed safe.
So the drilling company ceased providing the potable water to the residents.
Now the EPA shows up, starts supplying water to the residents (on our dime) and is conducting their own investigation.
States can take care of themselves. These are not federal issues. Even the pipeline only needed federal approval to cross the border from Canada into the US......after that, each state can make their own decisions using their own departments of environmental protection.
Having worked for DOE and with the EPA on many occasions, This is a great move.How are they (GOV) are going to disapprove a pipeline that has been estblished for YEARS and inspected MONTHLY by DOE and audited by EPA and probably IG yearly. They probably have a GOV inspector on all the pumping stations fulltime. All permits have been approved at the state and Federal level for years. All they (contractors) have to worry about is spec changes that WILL require GOV approvals,IF done right, this will stand all lawsuits all the way to the Supremes, Gotta love it