The most recent Keystone pipeline rejection alongside election results and actions in Florida and Wisconsin have encouraged me to share some thoughts about the state of the solar industry as we close out 2014.
Throughout these past 11 months there have been many quiet changes that may prove to shape thepolitical landscape moving forward. The groundwork is being laid for the policies that shall be debated, adopted, rejected, and certainly legislated with our new government.
So what about the Keystone XL Pipeline? Is a pipeline across North America going to benefit America? Sure, but at what cost? Is it the best investment? What do we have gain, and who will make those gains? Certainly not the Lakota Tribe. The Lakota stand ready to declare war over the eminent domain for the construction and permanent easement this pipeline project demands. The pipeline’s crime? Trespass with a second count of disrespecting Mother Nature.
If Manifest Destiny driven history is any indicator, this will likely turn out bad for the Lakota tribe.
Again.
There are many, real, concerns. The almost certain oil spills, complex chemicals inserted into the aquifer, and the overall offensive polluting chemical characteristics of oil and the project as a whole.
I am not sure what the most recent (fourth!!!) failure to pass legislation for this pipeline has actually cost the taxpayers, but it is certain that the money by lobbyist, interest groups and companies is already tucked safely away in the pockets of elected officials.
Republican’s won big in the recent election and so the talking heads on TV are trying to figure out why. The airways have been consumed by it. Want my opinion? I think it is because people want a little less talk and a lot more action. I also believe that the younger generation is beginning to move beyond “want” and towards “demand.”
What will those actions be? Who will take them?
-Ray Johnson