Keystone will be good for environment

Recently, environmentalist groups organized a protest in Cedar Rapids against the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline. They claim the pipeline will be damaging to the environment and will contribute to climate change. The truth is this will be a state-of-the-art pipeline, which will actually have a positive impact our environment.

Keystone XL would transport 850,000 barrels of oil a day. This would be the equivalent of taking 750 tanker trucks off the road. These trucks would no longer contribute to gas emissions in the atmosphere. Transporting by pipeline is also safer than by truck or ship and reduces the spills and accidents that could cause damage to the environment. President Obama's own state department has conducted studies and concluded that the pipeline will not have a significant impact on the environment.

Lastly, as a veteran, I must point out the impacts that building this pipeline will have on our nation's national security. We will be working on a project with a friendly ally, Canada. This will reduce our dependence on oil from unstable regions. Jobs will be created and energy will be cheaper. The Keystone XL Pipeline is in our nation's best interest.

Jim Felker

Hiawatha