Perhaps there are Republicans who are friendly with the Saudis (the Bushes and Cheney perhaps) and powerful Wall Street players who prefer not to alienate them. As I listened to Congressional arguments a few weeks ago, several points were raised that I think we at FR might want answered and addressed if this has not already happened.
First of all is the question of giving Canada/Canadians the right of EMINENT DOMAIN over taxpaying American property owners.
Second is NOT requiring the tar sands oil companies to pay into an accident mitigation fund that American oil companies are required to pay into.
The third is what correctives and ongoing protections regarding the soundness of pipeline pipes will be followed. The tar sands oil (dilbit) spill in a Kalamazoo River tributary has already cost over $1 billion for clean up, and deprived dozens of people of their homes. The Enbridge owned 6 foot diameter pipe was 40 years old. Once we get the KXL pipeline, what provisions are there made for ongoing upkeep?
Also, speaking of Warren Buffet, what legislation is/has been proposed to improve the strength/safety of oil tank cars. Both Kalamazoo and Lac Megantic have strong elements of human error added to inadequate/elderly equipment. How is this being addressed?
Does anyone know if any or all of these points have been addressed/corrected in the current or planned legislation?
I think your first two questions are off base. This is a transportation project where there is good reason to prevent any single landowner from blocking it. As to the second it is a good and likely answerable question about what bonding and or insurance Trans Canada has for when they do have an incident.
If you like paying Warren Buffet an extra $.50/gallon for your gasoline, keep right at it.
There are already 100,000 miles of pipeline in the US. How is it currently being addressed?