For too many years the United States has been dependent on the Middle East for much of our oil supply. Finally, with the Keystone pipeline, we can take a giant stride in reducing that dependency. Common sense seems to dictate that it would be much preferable to import oil from our neighbor and longtime friend and ally Canada than it would be to continue to send our dollars to the often turbulent and volatile sands of the Middle East.
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department’s own lengthy and detailed environmental study shows the pipeline having little to no adverse impact on the environment. The study also highlights how pipeline alternatives, including rail transport, could potentially cause greater environmental damage. Besides the obvious economic and energy benefit of the pipeline, the project would also create about 4,000 construction jobs.
Lastly, there is the potential that if the pipeline is not completed, Canada could decide to ship the oil west to ports on the Pacific and then on to China, further strengthening that country’s economy while weakening ours.
Ocean County is in large part a bedroom community. The majority of our workingage adults commute out of the county to and from their jobs. Gasoline prices often dictate how much money these families have left in their pockets at the end of the week for recreation and savings. On their behalf, and in light of these facts, we have sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking that he approve the Keystone pipeline and help secure this nation’s energy supply for the foreseeable future.
Joseph H. Vicari
Freeholder Director
Gerry P. Little
Freeholder
Ocean County
Board of Freeholders
Toms River