Keystone XL Pipeline Permit Still in Limbo, Six Year Anniversary This Friday

The anniversary of the initial permit request to build the Keystone XL pipeline is imminent. Cindy Schild, Senior Manager, with American Petroleum Institute’s Refining and Oil Sands Programs, has been working on the project since the beginning.

"September 19, back in 2008, so this is going to be six years and, you know, this, by all measures is a project, a pipeline that can increase our energy, security, national security, economic security--We've been talking about the merit of this pipeline now for six years," Schild said.

Groups that oppose Keystone XL say the pipeline could put some water tables at risk in the event of a leak. There are also concerns about the increase of carbon in the atmosphere.

Sheild says the evidence is clear and that the government has spent a lot of time attempting to make one simple decision.

"The sole question before the State Department, before our president, is whether the Keystone XL pipeline is in our nation's best interest. When you look at the evidence, the evidence that shows from the environmental impact standpoint that there are no significant environmental impacts, when you look at the economic benefits, this should've been a no-brainer."

Some pundits have postulated that approval of the Keystone XL pipeline might be an October surprise from the Obama Administration to help improve the chances of Democrats hoping to maintain control of the U.S. Senate.  So far, though, there has been no public indication the pipeline will be approved anytime soon.