POLITICO Energy Inside Trump’s Keystone XL pipeline revival plan
Nov 22, 2024
Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into President-elect Trump's plan to revive the Keystone XL pipeline on day one of his presidency. He explores the controversial history of the pipeline and its fading relevance amid a shift towards electric vehicles and changing oil demand. The discussion also touches on a new bipartisan transmission rule and the setbacks faced during global climate talks, painting a complex picture of fossil fuel politics in today's climate-conscious world.
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Keystone XL's History
- President-elect Trump aims to revive the Keystone XL pipeline, a project his administration previously approved and Joe Biden revoked.
- The original pipeline project, intended to transport Canadian crude to the U.S., no longer exists due to legal challenges and company restructuring.
Trump's Motivation
- Trump's revival attempt is partly political, aiming to counter Biden's decision and promote his infrastructure and energy agenda.
- The project aligns with Trump's messaging, despite questions about its current necessity.
Pipeline's Uncertain Future
- Reviving Keystone XL requires a company willing to invest billions in a controversial project with uncertain demand.
- The need for the pipeline is questionable due to increased US oil production, global spare capacity, and changing energy dynamics.