Claims about how dangerous the pipeline would be is a bit baffling. The train accidents involving the transportation of oil that occur with some frequency are absolutely horrifying, and in many cases these routes bring massive volumes of oil through major cities, within throwing distance of schools, parks, apartments, etc. It is not obvious why a pipeline over the Great Plains poses a less acceptable risk.
Our patterns of energy use are the underlying problem that the debate about who should get the oil and how it should be transported largely ignores. And changes to that will remain unlikely for as long as none of our major political figures questions the logic of detached housing, single-use zoning, and the personal vehicle. Unfortunately this framing attracts less support than talking about how the evil fossil fuels industry is corrupting the pristine environment like a comic book villain and generally screwing consumers over or whatever.
Huh. You're completely right.
