- The congressional calendar this week is full of environment-centered hearings and events, so climate-change activists have seized upon the moment, named it “Climate Week,” and planned a week of protests.
- This week also marks the five-year anniversary of Keystone XL’s first application submission.
- Action isn’t centered around Capitol Hill alone-activists have been staging protests all over the country, especially along the pipeline’s intended path.
- 350.org has planned 150 protests for Saturday alone.
- It looks like the White House’s decision over the pipeline could stretch into next year-although the southern end of Keystone should likely be in full gear soon-which is absolutely perfect, if you ask the lobbyists who make a killing on the issue for both sides.
- A delay also gives more time for the anti-Keystone forces, who’ve begun to focus on the slim economic advantages of the controversial oil transporter.
- On the pro-pipeline sidelines, some-including one North Dakota senator-think the unrest in Syria means we’re closer to approving Keystone.
- Newt Gingrich approves of that line of thinking.
- We’ll see how things look at the end of the week. Regardless, the fate of the pipeline will have a big impact on Obama’s environmental legacy, something he’s sure to keep in mind as the battle moves forward.
