Pipe Dreams

Presidential candidates don’t usually squabble over underground infrastructure. So how did the proposed $7 billion Keystone XL pipeline become the biggest environmental issue of the election? SEPTEMBER 2008: Energy company TransCanada applies for a U.S. permit to build Keystone XL. FEBRUARY 2009: The State Department launches an environmental-impact study with Cardno Entrix—a consulting firm hired by Trans-Canada in the past.  AUGUST 2011: The study finds that Keystone will have “no material impact” on the environment. NOVEMBER 2011: Some 12,000 protesters encircle the White House. Days later, President Obama postpones his decision and requests further environmental review. NOVEMBER 2011: Republican lawmakers introduce legislation aimed at forcing Obama to make a decision on Keystone. JANUARY 2012: The president rejects TransCanada’s application; Mitt ...