Oil Sands Truth: Shut Down the Tar Sands

Tarsands Infrastructure: South/ East [US & Can]

Though the category is labelled "US", the proposed new projects also traverse untouched Canadian territory across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The names of some of the larger ones include The Alberta Clipper Project, The Spearhead Pipeline (expansion) and the Keystone Pipeline, along with other pipelines controlled by TransCanada and Enbridge, as well as Imperial Oil. Despite the massive size and scale of pipeline networks already existing through the continental United States, these pipelines and associated construction would be needed to achieve US and Canadian government goals of reaching 5 million barrels a day of tar sand oil being shipped out of the tar sands "ground zero" of Alberta.

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Tarsands Infrastructure: South/East [US] is a category that represents the many connecting and supplying pipelines and associated projects that are needed to transport fuels for the production of tar sands bitumen and to move tar sand heavy bitumen to the Lower 48 of the US for refining. This involves some massive new pipeline projects to Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Louisiana, California, Pennsylvania, Texas and elsewhere including existing refineries in Ontario and Quebec. Though the category is labelled "US", the proposed new projects also traverse untouched Canadian territory across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The names of some of the larger ones include The Alberta Clipper Project, The Spearhead Pipeline (expansion) and the Keystone Pipeline, along with other pipelines controlled by TransCanada and Enbridge, as well as Imperial Oil. Despite the massive size and scale of pipeline networks already existing through the continental United States, these pipelines and associated construction would be needed to achieve US and Canadian government goals of reaching 5 million barrels a day of tar sand oil being shipped out of the tar sands "ground zero" of Alberta.

The Rock's most precious resource

The Rock's most precious resource
Gordon Pitts

Rushoon, Nfld. — Globe and Mail Aug. 12, 2009

As a 17-year-old with an adventurous spirit, Ann-Marie Cheeseman spent part of last summer driving 40-ton trucks in the Alberta oil sands. She made big money for a Newfoundland teenager, clearing close to $3,000 a week.

But she doesn't want to return to the oil sands, leaving her family and friends in the harbour village of Rushoon on the wild, beautiful Burin Peninsula. “I'd go back to Alberta only if I had to,” she says firmly.

Northeasterners forced to give up oil heat?

Thousands of homes might have to replace oil furnaces with wood-burning heaters
Northeasterners forced to give up oil heat?

By Steve Milloy Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Northeastern governors may ban home furnaces that burn oil in order to meet greenhouse gas emission limits.

The governors are expected to approve “a blueprint for slashing carbon dioxide from cars — and perhaps home furnaces — by January,” reports ClimateWire.

The tar sands pipeline and Obama’s carbon commitments

The tar sands pipeline and Obama’s carbon commitments
August 11, 2009
by Sheila McNulty

The Obama Administration has made a big show about its desire to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

But actions speak louder than words.

Environmentalists want to see the Administration underline its commitment to reduce carbon by rejecting a permit for a pipeline carrying fuel for Canada’s carbon-intensive oil sands into the US.

Suncor boosts heavy oil sales to U.S.

This is a HUGE deal; as a result of the largest single tar sands operator expanding the amount of procesing done in the US, the number-- according to the FTA and NAFTA-- can NEVER GO BACK DOWN in terms of percentage, or "proportion".

This is where the "proportionality clause" kicks in; the amount of an energy source sent south in one day must stay at that proportion permanently.

Therefore this is the announcement that the state of Canada is now further beholden to the US state, never mind what happens to the indigenous nations as a direct result.

--M

Chevron to appeal ruling on Richmond refinery (Bay Area, California)

Chevron to appeal ruling on Richmond refinery

Tom Abate, Chronicle Staff Writer

Thursday, July 9, 2009

(07-08) 18:40 PDT -- Chevron Corp. will appeal a judge's order that it halt an upgrade to its Richmond refinery and revise its environmental review, a ruling that the company blames for causing more than a thousand layoffs.

"We think the judge was wrong," refinery manager Mike Coyle said Tuesday, as he showed off two huge furnaces at the center of the dispute.

Commissioners Approve Keystone Pipeline Right-Of-Way (Cushing, OK)

Commissioners Approve Pipeline Right-Of-Way
Pretty significant pipeline, says Mayor
Molly Payne
1600kush.com
07/20/2009

Alberta seeks input on bitumen royalties

Alberta seeks input on bitumen royalties
By Jason Fekete, Calgary Herald
July 21, 2009

CALGARY - The Stelmach government is expected to ask energy producers today for their interest in a new provincial bitumen royalty-in-kind policy, as the premier faces mounting criticism for failing to keep his promise to stem the flow of oilsands to the United States.

The pieces are in place

The pieces are in place
By Chris Dunker
Daily Sun staff writer
Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009

On its way from Alberta, Canada to Pavoka, Ill., the Keystone Pipeline, being constructed and operated by the TransCanada Corporation, will soon be passing through the region near Steele City.

Keystone Pipeline is a $5.2 billion project that will ultimately flow oil from Alberta to refineries in Illinois. Despite a tropical June, contractors are pushing to finish the job through Nebraska in 2009.

Chevron: Invest in Richmond's Future (Bay Area, California)

Chevron: Invest in Richmond's Future

New America Media, Commentary, Jeff Ritterman
Jul 19, 2009

Shell May Close or Sell Montreal East Oil Refinery

Shell May Close or Sell Montreal East Oil Refinery
By Guy Collins

July 9 (Bloomberg) -- Royal Dutch Shell Plc may close or sell its Montreal East refinery in Quebec, Canada, among various options it’s considering for the plant as part of a global review of assets.

Possibilities include the sale of the refinery and some associated downstream businesses; closure of the plant; conversion into a terminal; establishment of a joint venture; or continued operation, a Shell spokesman said today by telephone, declining to be identified in line with company policy.