Consider alternatives to Keystone pipeline

I was pleased to read the letter suggesting the construction of a refinery near the Canadian border as an alternative to the Keystone pipeline (“There are better ways than an oil pipeline,” Jan. 11). I have been advocating that for some time and have not gotten much interest to date.

I do wonder if the lack of support for the pipeline alternative is wrapped up in the fact that fuel is now our number one export and at the same time our gasoline prices remain at or about $3.50 a gallon. This is further complicated by the location of large refineries in Texas or around the Gulf of Mexico with the attendant political clout.

I read an article that suggested that the fuel exports are being sold at a high price to foreign interests that keeps our costs elevated. I don't pretend to be an expert or to even understand what drives our fuel costs but forgive me for being sceptical. As an afterthought, it would seem that a preferred location for the pipeline alternative might be somewhere near the Great Lakes, possibly the Detroit suburbs or some other economically depressed area. This would provide access to the ocean through the St. Lawrence Canal for exporting. It would have an environmental issue but one that could be addressed.

Gordon Taylor

Anamosa