Teach This: The Keystone XL Pipeline

In the midst of news about budget cuts and abandoned healthcare reform, the Trump administration has also been initiating massive changes to President Obama’s environmental safeguarding policies—including reinstating development of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The administration calls this initiative a “historic moment for … energy independence,” but many environmental organizations have questioned the pipeline’s benefits and warn of potential damage to thousands of acres of ecologically fragile land in Western and heartland states.

Whether or not you have already spoken with students about the similarly controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, now is a critical time for lessons and conversations about the debates surrounding both projects—and how they might alter the environment, energy policy and the lives of people in affected areas.

Here are some questions to get you started.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the Keystone XL Pipeline?
2. How is the Keystone XL Pipeline similar to or different from the Dakota Access Pipeline?
3. What is the proposed route of the Keystone XL Pipeline? Through what countries, states and tribal lands would it cross?
4. What are some potential benefits of the pipeline? How about potential drawbacks?
5. In what ways do the decisions we make today (like the Keystone XL Pipeline) affect people in the future?
6. The Obama administration cancelled construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, but the Trump administration supports it. What might account for such differing views on construction of the pipeline?

Remember: Earth Day falls on April 22! One more reason to have this conversation with students now.

Additional Resources:

Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines: How Did We Get Here?

State Department Issues Keystone XL Permit

U.S., in Reversal, Issues Permit for Keystone Oil Pipeline

What’s Next for the Keystone XL Pipeline