Biden’s Keystone XL decision proves fossil fuel era is ending
Over the past week, there was a storm of media coverage around the Biden administration’s decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline. But it’s been disappointing to see media outlets, and the CBC in particular, focus on lifting up pro-oil voices defending the pipeline.
There’s barely any mention of the fact that Trudeau’s own government agency, the Canada Energy Regulator, has concluded that building Keystone XL is out of line with meaningful action on the climate crisis. Biden’s urgent action to cancel this project was a clear signal that he’s taking the climate crisis seriously.
Instead of celebrating this new chapter of climate leadership in the U.S., Prime Minister Trudeau claims to be “disappointed” by the decision. Instead of mourning a climate-wrecking pipeline, maybe the prime minister could get to work and support struggling workers and communities by delivering the Just Transition Act he promised in the 2019 election?
Biden’s decision on Keystone XL has shown us that now, more than ever, workers across the country need a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and towards a green economy that works for everyone.
The neanderthalish quacking of the duck and the bleating of the sheep needs to cease; and thoughtful, progressive action needs to be taken NOW!
Freeman A. Dryden
Ladysmith