For years the Keystone XL pipeline has been a source of heated debate. While both complex and nuanced, the arguments both for and against the pipeline can be easily divided between the pro-oil business interest that sees cheaper gas and new American jobs, and the anti-oil environmentalist which fears the pipeline would only increase our oil dependence, while also threatening a huge swath of American wilderness. Thanks to the complete validity of the arguments on both sides of the discussion, the decision over whether or not to actually build the Keystone XL pipeline has been put off for years.

Pipeline
photo courtesy: Wikipedia

In early July, the House of Representatives quietly passed a bill that eliminated a requirement that oil and gas pipelines which cross international boarders must be built with White House approval. By removing this requirement, the House was essentially trying to push the Obama Administration to finally give the green light to begin construction on the pipeline.

Following the vote, Speaker of the House John Boehner published an op-ed in USA Today also touting the benefits of the pipeline and urging President Obama to break ground on the project as quickly as possible.

The Democrats specifically are concerned that approval of the pipeline could hurt their chances in the election.

However, public opinion overwhelmingly seems to be in favor of building the Keystone XL pipeline. According to a Pew Center report, 61 percent of Americans are okay with the project, with every demographic overwhelmingly in support, except for hardcore liberals.

(source: full comment by Tess VandenDolder, writer In The Capital)