Keystone
BLOG POST posted on February 12, 2012 by TG
Keystone
Alberta wants to ship it out so as to avoid enviro costs in refining. Alberta has everything to gain and nothing to lose. For a quick easy profit, that is.
The proposed tar sands line to Kitamat BC will certainly result in a spill and ruination of seafoods we all rely on, however a massive spill off the coast of China is that much more likely. How ethical is shipping out toxic wastes to unreliable refiners in China?
Toxic wastes in Alberta crude shipped to China will not likely get the careful treatment we provide in Canada. A massive crude oil spill along China coastlines will ruin the lives of millions who depend on fish and sea life What kind of backlash could we expect from the enraged populations in China who depend on healthy seas for their way of life?
The two proposed pipelines from Alberta to Texas and to Kitamat cost more than a new refinery in Alberta. Why is Alberta so bent upon shipping out raw product rather than processed value-added product that provides 400% more return of wealth to the province?
Experts declare that a pipeline to the BC coast is a technical safety risk. Why is the proposed route through swamp and lake wilderness. Would it be because spills would be out of sight of the public? If the pipeline were to follow the Prince George to Rupert..[Skeena?] highway any spill could be spotted and accessed quickly via the highway for repair. Silly questions?
Some of the questions above arise after listening to an expert investigative reporter who complains that his questions are stonewalled by everyone in Government and the oil business.
He was discussing the frustration with an interviewer on CBC radio January 30th, 2012.
He also raised surprising questions about the China's massive control and ownership of Canada's oil infrastructure and the secrecy of Cinopec. That is a whole new can of worms that the Canadian public seems unaware of. One wonders at how China has gained the leverage to completely cause the Harper government to do a 180 degree about face on matters of control and foreign ownership.
I read and follow the media and wonder why so many important questions are not asked or debated. Seems all black and white. Two oil pipelines are to be built or not built. There are no discussions of any alternate possible plans. Why? Refining and shipping value-added product is a perfectly viable option...and it is also preferred. Peter Lougheed thinks so. As a recent Premier, he is certainly loyal to Alberta.
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