The Obama administration has declared that the Keystone XL Pipeline will not be built until a republican enters office due to the fact that the environmental and diplomatic costs would be far higher than the economical benefits of the pipeline.  The pipeline, of course, would cause pollution and most certainly leakage (leading to pollution) in the ares where it would have been built.  As justified as this was, Republicans of course had to strike back, arguing that Obama is putting political symbolism and the whining of environmental fundamentalists before the American economy and energy needs.

I, being one of such "environmental fundamentalists", believe that this is a great decision by the administration, as I have fought against the concept of the pipeline (or more specifically, its extension) from the very beginning.

However, that's enough from me.  I want to know what you guys think about this decision and the pipeline.

It is merely a symbolic more, based on feelings rather than facts. Yes, oil sands in Alberta are "dirtier" than regular oil patches. But at least they come from a jurisdiction that respects human rights... unlike Venezuela (who has similar oil sands).

Besides, there have been HUNDREDS of pipelines approved and no one protested against those.

And yes, leakage IS possible, but accidents are far less probable than by train, the only other way to carry oil over long distances. Warren Buffet will be happy...