Staff ReportsThe Keystone XL pipeline has seen more plot twists than a daytime soap opera, and the drama continues as its life hangs in the balance, thanks to a history of presidential meddling. Barack Obama has historically been the pipeline’s arch-nemesis, putting it firmly on his legislative kill list when he rejected the project in 2015. Fast forward to 2017, and President Trump boldly reversed that blunder, reigniting hope in America’s energy independence. However, nothing screams “plot twist” quite like Joe Biden unceremoniously undoing Trump’s approval and snuffing out the pipeline’s prospects once more.
Now, in a shocking turn of events, President-elect Trump is rumored to be eyeing a rebirth of the Keystone XL project just hours into his return to power. The audacity of it all! While Trump yearns to stick it to Biden and reissue a strong pro-oil message that electrified his campaign, it turns out the company that was supposed to spearhead this project has unceremoniously kicked it to the curb. Yes, folks, that leaves quite the conundrum. Want to boost energy independence? Great! But there’s no one actually willing to dig into the ground and start laying that precious pipeline.
👀 “Donald Trump is looking to revive the Keystone XL oil pipeline on his first day back in the White House, according to three people familiar with the president-elect’s plan, even though no companies are trying to build it anymore.”
ARISE! pic.twitter.com/Jtu2jxwFnR
— Rory Johnston (@Rory_Johnston) November 21, 2024
The background story of the Keystone XL is a riveting tale of governmental incompetence and missed opportunities. Once a shining beacon for energy advocates, the project now resembles a neglected garden, overrun with political weeds. TC Energy, the mastermind behind the pipeline, has officially waved the white flag. With the portions already laid in both Canada and the U.S. having been dug up and carted off, restarting this pipeline is akin to trying to resurrect a T-Rex from mere bones. Any company willing to step in and rebuild would be looking at a mountain of red tape and local permits—it’s almost like they’d need a miracle.
Yet, amidst all this chaos, there’s a silver lining for Trump: the sheer power of messaging. Even if the steel doesn’t start flowing again immediately, the mere suggestion of reviving the Keystone XL is symbolic. It’s a brassy declaration that America can flex its oil muscle and stand defiantly against the climate cabal clinging to their fantasies. Everyone knows the value of energy, infrastructure, and construction, so if Trump’s plan helps shift the conversation back to pro-oil principles, then there is something to be said for that.
However, the within the realm of practical politics, optimistically holding out for an actual pipeline? Well, let’s just say that could lead to more disappointment than an episode finale that leaves everything unresolved. Anonymous sources may be rallying around Trump’s hopes, but the real question lies with the heavy lifting that needs to occur. While Trump is busy playing multiple cards in the poker game of politics, the immediate focus should be on solving issues like illegal immigration, making tax cuts permanent, and breathing new life into the economy.
In the end, whatever happens with the Keystone XL pipeline, one thing is crystal clear: the damage inflicted by the Biden administration must be rolled back. The stakes have never been higher, and the social, economic, and energy fortunes of America hang in the balance.
