T. Boone Pickens on the Keystone XL Pipeline and OPEC

T. Boone Pickens says: “The Keystone XL oil pipeline would eliminate the United States’ dependence on OPEC.  Canadians say they have 250 billion barrels [of tar sands, the dirtiest form of crude]. That’s exactly what the Saudis claim they have,” he told CNBC. “You’re sitting there with the same amount of oil available to the United States from Canada . . . as [from] Saudi Arabia.”

No offense, but I think we already knew this.  We can most assuredly rid ourselves of our connection to the Saudis if we don’t care what it costs in terms of environmental damage.  I.e., If we’re willing to pay a sufficiently high price ecologically, the pipeline’s a great idea.  Alternatively, if the environmental consequences and their effects on humankind and all other life forms matter, we need to look elsewhere.

Mr. Pickens, if you’re looking for a few good ideas, please let me know.