One of the world's preeminent science journals has lent its support to the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline in a recent editorial.
An editorial published in the 29 January issue of Nature, one of the world's leading science periodicals, has called for the Obama administration to rebuff criticism of the Keystone XL project and approve it as long as environmental standards are satisfied.
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While conceding that tar-sands development creates air and water quality issues for Canada, the Nature editorial points out that tar sands will be developed irrespective of the US government's stance as they fall beyond its jurisdiction, and asserts that Obama will garner political capital amongst conservatives via construction of the pipeline, which will enable him to do greater good in other areas.
Mike Hudema, a climate and energy activist with Greenpeace Canada, has criticized the Nature editorial, telling CBC that the crux of the issue is avoiding investment in the use of fossil fuels completely.
By. Marc Howe
Frik Els is editor for MINING.com in Vancouver, BC. Frik has been writing on business for the past 15 years covering the resource industry, investment, autos,… More