On Tuesday January 24th, Donald Trump signed an Executive order that would push through the building and advance of the Keystone XL Pipeline and The North Dakota Access Pipeline. Both which were previously halted by the Obama administration. Trump stated he would consider renegotiating some of the terms on the Keystone pipeline but still intends to have the project built. Why push these extremely controversial products forward? Well of course, Trump wants to bring more jobs into this country. Even though unemployment has been at one of its lowest percentages in American history. But when signing these bills, Trump failed to think through several issues, as tends to be his consistent pattern.
Perhaps the pipeline will create jobs, but only temporarily. Once the pipes are built then these thousands of workers will again be out of a job and nowhere to go. Not to mention, these jobs allow for zero growth in these workers lives. They will forever be stuck welding, moving heavy pipes, sweating up a storm, and never have opportunities to move forward in their career areas. In green energy jobs, you have much more opportunity to elevate yourself in your area of expertise. Rather than constantly being stuck in the same position your whole life, or for as long as your job will last.
Trump is clearly also not doing this to meet the needs of our country. Pipelines are unstable and dangerous. The concrete casing is always known to crack and leak and thus releasing all of these dangerous chemicals and contaminants into the soil, air, and people’s drinking water. Not to mention it will destroy thousands of miles of natural habitat, harm indigenous species, tear through people’s homes and properties, and destroy lives. Not to mention we are continuing our dependency on fossil fuels and killing the planet that we live on. Trump has sent out gag orders to silence scientists, environmental organizations, and even has banned the Parks Department twitter page. Basically, he has tried to silence any community that speaks towards the existence of climate change and the fact that it is perpetuated and advance by the actions of humans and many of our lifestyle choices. Trump is trying to silence the voice of the people.
These pipelines are Donald Trump giving a big middle finger to the American public. HE is not giving any concern for the health of the public, respect for the environment and the lands we all live on, and simply giving know care for anyone impacted by these pipelines that Obama halted because of their grave impact. Donald Trump, you are making one of the biggest mistakes of your presidency by signing these controversial acts. The environmental community and the public at large will not be silenced. We will stay strong, we will fight back, and yes we will win. It’s gonna be a battle and we are the ones who will truly Make America Great Again.
