Although the nation's energy needs are critical, the tar sands oil to be sent by the proposed pipeline are toxic and are expected to be largely exported. Even a few spills could be catastrophic, affecting the health of millions of Americans and the productivity of nationally essential farmlands.
A viable alternative would be to increase national efforts to develop renewable energy sources (such as wind, solar and wave action) and would represent an environmentally superior approach to meeting our needs and contributing to reduction of carbon emissions. It would also provide alternative ways to increase employment.