Hillary Clinton Opposes Keystone XL Pipeline

Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has announced she opposes the long-debated Keystone XL pipeline.

From NBC News:

"I think it is imperative that we look at the Keystone XL pipeline as what I believe it is: A distraction from the important work we have to do to combat climate change, and, unfortunately from my perspective, one that interferes with our ability to move forward and deal with other issues," she said during a campaign event in Iowa Tuesday.

"Therefore, I oppose it. I oppose it because I don't think it's in the best interest of what we need to do to combat climate change."

Last week, while in New Hampshire, Clinton promised that her opinion would be forthcoming soon, saying her delay was out of respect for the current administration. "I have been waiting for the administration to make a decision. I thought I owed them that."

Fellow Democratic contender Sen. Bernie Sanders also opposes construction of the pipeline.

For what it's worth, so do I.

The pipeline would carry Canadian oil across the U.S. to refineries which oil companies would then be free to sell to any country in the world.

Supporters have erroneously claimed that the oil would specifically benefit the U.S. and help lead to energy independence. But there are no guarantees that would keep the oil in America.

Also, there's the issue of estimated 17% higher greenhouse gas emissions from the extraction of oil sands compared to extraction of conventional oil.

In addition, the project doesn't create a large number of permanent jobs. Studies show that once built, the pipeline would only require about 45 permanent employees.

I'd personally rather the effort focused on more renewable energy sources.