I think it’s useful, when we talk about the debate over energy development, that we draw a distinction between people who desire responsible development of resources like oil and coal and people who for political and ideological reasons don’t want any of that sort of development at all. The former is a practical and common…
The Political Obstruction Of Pipelines Is Killing North Dakota's Oil Industry
For years now we’ve watched as the political left has done everything in their power to obstruct much needed pipeline infrastructure in America. The Obama administration’s endless bureaucratic filibuster of the Keystone XL pipeline – which would have capacity for 100,000 barrels per day of North Dakota crude – is the most obvious example, but…
Despite Political Obstruction Pipelines Have Caught Up With Rail In North Dakota
Shipping Bakken crude has become a hot-button political topic. Rail shipments are derided by fear mongering anti-oil activists as “bomb trains” but these same activists have also lined up to oppose pipeline infrastructure. You almost get the idea that they’d rather the oil stay in the ground. Still, there’s no question that pipelines are a…
Minnesota Pipeline Protesters Are Literally Anti-Oil
When critics of the oil industry speak out about issues like rail and pipeline safety they usually say they aren’t anti-oil. They’re just for the safe and responsible development and transportation of oil. That’s because these people usually have a streak of pragmatism which allows them to recognize that oil and other fossil fuels are,…
Massive Pro-Oil Train Derailment Rally Planned To Target Sandpiper Pipeline
Left-wing groups ranging from the Sierra Club to Socialist Action – Twin Cities are planning a march in Minneapolis/St. Paul later this week against “tar sands” pipelines. The timing lines up with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission reviewing the Sandpiper pipeline on Wednesday. An administrative law judge has already cleared the way for Minnesota to join…
On Television: When Environmental Groups Have An Authenticity Problem
Last night on my regular television segment with Chris Berg on Valley News Live we discussed some of the concerns over funding of environmental and Native American groups – specifically Honor the Earth – who are active in opposing the Sandpiper Pipeline which would take a lot of North Dakota oil east from Tioga through…
Blame Heimdal Derailment On The Anti-Pipeline Activists
At some point, we’re going to have to acknowledge that all the oil conditioning rules and track inspectors in the world aren’t going to change the fact that we’re producing more oil than the rails can handle. This morning came news of another oil train derailment, this time near Heimdal, North Dakota. Every time one…
We Should Start Using The Term "Obama Trains"
Another oil train derailed this week – this time near Galena, Illinois – producing another explosion and smoke cloud that’s being plastered all over the media. It was the third such derailment in three weeks. Left-wing activists have taken to using the term “bomb trains” and are now blaming public officials for not seeking retribution…
Minnesota Sandbags Sandpiper Pipeline, Must Be Pro Train Derailment
According to an Associated Press report this evening, Canadian-based Enbridge has decided to delay a pipeline project of vital importance to North Dakota’s booming economy. The Sandpiper line will, when built, carry up to 225,000 barrels per day of Bakken crude oil from Tioga, North Dakota, through Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. That’s just a bit…
We Can't Talk About Delayed Grain Shipments Without Talking About Delayed Pipelines
Yesterday the New York Times published a story about delayed grain shipments in North Dakota. “The furious pace of energy exploration in North Dakota is creating a crisis for farmers whose grain shipments have been held up by a vast new movement of oil by rail, leading to millions of dollars in agricultural losses and slower…