This unit we learned about not only the keystone pipeline, but a more broader idea of environmental issues in the U.S. and other countries. I feel I have learned more about the government's participation in the environmental problems. Based on the movies we’ve watched and the discussions we’ve had I think that the government has forgotten its role. They keystone pipeline has many pros and cons, there are environmental problems involved with building the pipeline but it has numerous economic values. TransCanada is prepping for the building of the pipeline but can not be built until the President makes his decision.
The oil company they are using is called tar sands and its one of the dirtiest energy sources in the world.
The U.S. State Department is currently considering a proposal to build Keystone XL.
An existing pipeline
called Keystone 1 has already leaked 14 times since it started operating in June 2010, including one event that dumped 21,000 gallons of tar-sands crude.
The pipeline would cross rivers, streams, wetlands and wild areas that are home to at least many rare and endangered species
Monolouge #1
Are we on? Great, yeah it’s great to be here thanks for inviting me. Introduce myself? yeah my name is Dallas Gray I am working with TransCanada and I live here in the great state of Texas. Right Right, The Keystone XL pipeline is an expansion on the original pipeline and hopefully soon we will be building from Hardisty Canada to Steel City in Nebraska. I’m here to answer any questions or concerns that the public has and reassure them that we take pipeline safety very seriously. Great question, TransCanada is very committed to minimizing the environmental impact along the proposed route. In fact if you look at some photos then you’ll see that the before and after of the pipeline looks identical, I can hardly tell theres a pipe down there. The impact underneath the ground? Well, our workers are very experienced and they do there best to plan and in order to avoid impacts to the environment. Yeah next question? Jobs! This is always the best part, it just makes me so happy to say that we will need about 20,000 skilled American workers to help us build the pipeline. This project will provide jobs for welders, mechanics, electricians, pipe fitters, laborers, safety coordinators, heavy equipment operators, and other workers rely on large construction projects for their livelihoods. Amazing right? What? What happens when the pipeline is built? Could you uh, emphasize on that, I’m not sure I understand. Oh, what happens to all the jobs? Well, we will need people regularly to make sure the pipeline is in perfect condition. So yeah, yeah some people will lose their jobs. I-I mean, most won't but some will. N-Next question? If the oil strikes groundwater then m-movement of oil and any contamination that c-could enter groundwater would be very slow and limited, likely to hundreds of feet at most, even in sandy soils. A-Are we done here because I-I have to go, can you please turn the camera off?
Monolouge #2
Hey man, what’s going on? why you got that camera? What? Answer some questions? yeah sure man I got you. Well uh, I’m here today protesting the building of the keystone pipeline. I think it’s stupid! They want to put a tube of toxic waste through this country! and our government is actually considering giving them a permit. Last time I checked that wasn't their job, their job is to protect the people, thats not what they're doing! We need to fight back against TransCanada because no one else is going to! Thats why were all out here today, to fight back and get our message across. Yeah, some people have been arrested but the crazy part is that they aren't fighting it, they’re taking it which is just so awesome and they’re just so involved! Well, my buddy’s girlfriends mother lives around here and he and I came out to see her and we passed a protest so when we got to her moms house we asked about and we became super interested so we’ve started researching the pipeline and we realized exactly what I told you earlier, the governments job is to protect the people of America and if a permit is given then its gonna screw everything up! So now I go to protests whenever we can, We even organize some, like uh, there was one last week that we organized and we got like 30 people it was awesome. Well, I think that we need to get this story out there, because if people really knew what was going on then they sure would support us! Like, we’re trying to start this thing where we like, tweet at celebrities and try to get them to I don’t know, maybe get them to like address the pipeline. Then their fans would support us too. Its just an idea, its kinda stupid. Anyway man, I got to get back to the protest, good luck with your movie and all! (He runs away and the camera fades)
Monolouge #3
(Women is sitting on swinging bench) Hello its nice to meet you, thank you for asking me to participate in your film. Yes, I am Natomah Robbins I live here in Nebraska and unfortunately my home is located right where a part of this pipeline could be built. Yes, yes I have two daughters and three sons, my-my husband passed away eight years ago. I live with my daughter her husband, and their three children. Well, I think that this pipeline is a bad idea. Because its transporting dirty oils through our land, the land where some of us grow crops. Right, I understand but what if ten years go by and a crack appears. It will either go up to our crops or down to ground water. People have already destroyed so many beautiful places, why do they feel the need to take away more homes? Yes, I am angry. At the government, because its their job to look out for the people of America. Thats not what their doing, they care more about money than we people. No one seems to understand that this isn’t our world, we were placed here. And if they keep pouring their toxic waste everywhere they will destroy their home, and no matter how much money they pool together. They can’t buy another earth, we will all be dead bodies floating around in space. And if they keep polluting everywhere, water levels will rise. Half of Manhattan would be covered in water, then they couldn’t go to their fancy office jobs because they’d be underwater! (laughs) yes I-I have done my research. This was all my husband could talk about when he was alive, there was always something wrong and he was always coming up with ideas to fix them. Actually my son works with a small environmental company and he listens to my opinions and we come up with ideas together, so yes I am still involved. The protests? Well, I think they're a good idea, I mean people are becoming more aware. But I just don’t know, I believe some people don’t take us seriously. (Camera cuts off)
