The Keystone Pipeline and American Energy Dependence

The Keystone Pipeline and American Energy Dependence

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

At the beginning of President Joe Biden's term, he made the sweeping decision to halt the Keystone XL Pipeline project, a move that had direct and far-reaching consequences for America’s energy independence and economic stability. This decision, which led to the loss of over 11,000 American jobs virtually overnight, was framed as an environmentally necessary step. Biden’s administration argued that by canceling the pipeline, the U.S. would reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and make strides toward clean energy. However, in the years since, we’ve seen that this decision not only hurt American workers but paradoxically undermined the energy goals it purported to champion.

I have personally undergone a profound transformation in understanding the importance of energy independence and its impact on national security and the economy. Growing up as an Iranian-American, I’ve seen how energy resources play into global power structures and national sovereignty. I understand how control over energy impacts everything from national economies to the fate of entire nations. Today, as an ex-Muslim, former vegan, and former Democrat, I’ve come to a conservative stance that prioritizes energy autonomy for the United States—a view that has only solidified as I’ve seen the fallout from Biden’s energy policies.

When President Trump was in office, the United States was on a path toward energy independence, achieving a balance that allowed us to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and its associated political entanglements. The Keystone XL Pipeline was set to be a cornerstone of that independence. By transferring oil from Canada to the United States, Keystone XL would have reduced our need to import oil from adversarial regions, creating thousands of jobs and bolstering both our economy and energy security.

However, the cancellation of Keystone XL created a void that has been costly for everyday Americans, who are now burdened with higher fuel prices and facing economic hardships. Furthermore, this lack of energy independence has only increased our vulnerability to geopolitical crises. As we witness a fossil fuel-driven conflict in Europe, largely backed by U.S. taxpayer dollars, we are reminded of the paradox we’re in. At home, Americans are expected to bear the financial burden of higher energy costs, while abroad, we fund wars that hinge on the very resources Biden promised to cut. This inconsistency should raise questions about the real intentions behind these policies and whether the environmental benefits are as substantial as claimed.

The environmental argument presented by Biden’s administration fails to account for the overall environmental impact of relying on foreign oil, often extracted in countries with far less stringent environmental regulations than the United States. Canada’s oil extraction methods, which would have supported Keystone XL, follow strict environmental standards compared to other oil-exporting nations. Yet, instead of refining oil in the U.S. with our advanced, environmentally conscious methods, we continue importing oil from regions with poor environmental practices.

Moreover, the United States has some of the most advanced technology in the world to reduce emissions in oil extraction, refining, and transportation. Relying on countries without such technology is detrimental to global environmental goals and the American economy. This reliance effectively exports pollution rather than addressing it, further proving the shortsightedness of Biden’s decision.

The Keystone XL Pipeline is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it represents a pathway to a balanced energy policy that includes both fossil fuels and investments in cleaner energy. As a former socialist, I once supported the idea of rapid, systemic shifts toward renewable energy. However, I have come to see that an all-or-nothing approach harms those who can least afford it. America needs a balanced energy strategy that combines renewable advancements with secure access to oil and natural gas. The Keystone XL Pipeline would have been instrumental in achieving this balance, providing jobs, lowering costs, and promoting a secure energy future for all Americans.

In conclusion, Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what true energy independence entails. By prioritizing international agendas over domestic needs, he has put Americans in a vulnerable position—economically, environmentally, and strategically. Now, as we confront an uncertain energy future, the American people deserve leaders who understand the critical role of energy security and will work to fortify it rather than dismantle it. Energy independence is not just a slogan; it is a necessity that ensures our country’s strength, stability, and prosperity.

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Citations

1. U.S. Department of Energy. "The Keystone XL Pipeline and its Potential Benefits to Energy Independence." www.energy.gov/articles/keystone-xl-pipeline-benefits.

2. National Energy Board of Canada. "Environmental Standards and Practices in Canadian Oil Extraction." www.neb-one.gc.ca/environmental-standards-canadian-oil.

3. American Petroleum Institute. "How Keystone XL Was Set to Help American Workers." www.api.org/keystone-xl-economic-benefits.

4. The Heritage Foundation. "Keystone XL Cancellation and the Economic Impact on American Jobs." www.heritage.org/keystone-xl-job-losses