The Keystone XL is probably the most famous oil pipeline in the world. It is rarely out of the news, and millions of people eagerly follow every advancement made in its pursuit of approval from President Obama.
Whilst public and media attention is focussed on Keystone XL, Inside Climate News claims that Enbridge, Canada's largest crude oil transporter, has been quietly building, and expanding a network of pipelines that run from Canada and through the US.
The 5,000 mile long network of old and new pipes would provide the same function as Keystone XL, to increase the transport of Canadian tar sands to refineries in the US, yet Enbridge's pipes would actually be able to carry more oil than Keystone.
Related article: Will Rail Run Out of Steam Post-Keystone?
Enbridge has managed to avoid public scrutiny by expanding and building the network of pipes in many segments and separate phases, rather than the giant project announced by TransCanada.
Line 67, one of the pipes, crosses the US-Canadian border, and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of the US State Department. Just like the Keystone XL pipeline it will need a presidential permit before it can be expanded to carry a greater capacity.
Whilst TransCanada expect to hear a final answer from the president by the end of the year, Enbridge have only just begun their permit application process.
By. Joao Peixe of Oilprice.com
Joao is a writer for Oilprice.com More