Keystone XL is a horrible project in many respects, and it has become of outsized importance to both sides of the political spectrum. As much as I hate the environmental consequences of tar sands oil, I think that Obama should support the pipeline with certain conditions. Much like buying carbon offsets, Keystone XL should be passed if and only if it is accompanied by other legislation that more than makes up for its environmental costs. These could take the form of stricter limits on coal, higher fuel efficiency standards for cars and planes, carbon taxes, infrastructure spending on greener cities, etc. If the Republicans really want Keystone, then they need to support something that will more than make up for its effects. While passing Keystone would be a heavy symbolic loss for the left and gain for the right, if it were offset by even more impactful environmental legislation... well I'd be ok with that. Lose the battle to win the war.
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