TU Professor, Cherokee Nation Weigh In On Possibility Biden Cancels Keystone XL Pipeline Permit

President-elect Joe Biden is indicating he plans to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline permit on his first day in office, according to a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation report. 

A map from TC Energy shows both the existing Keystone Pipeline system and the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, which is shown with a dotted line. Experts said completing the Keystone XL Pipeline would mean an additional 800,000 barrels of oil coming into the United States every day. 

"I think from a national perspective, I think this is a mistake to not let the pipeline be built,” Tom Seng, the Director of the School of Energy Economics, Policy and Commerce at the University of Tulsa, said.

He said finishing the Keystone XL pipeline would have had a positive impact on Oklahoma, specifically in Cushing, the self-proclaimed "Pipeline Crossroads of the World."  

"The additional oil would also precipitate the building of more storage tanks in Cushing, and you've got companies here in Tulsa like Matrix Services that actually build those tanks,” Seng said.  

The Cherokee Nation said it stands with other tribes that oppose the Keystone XL pipeline. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a statement released Monday, "I am encouraged that President Elect Biden is committed to reviewing the Keystone XL pipeline carefully, and look forward to reviewing any executive order. I will continue to insist that the United States work with tribes on a sustainable energy policy that respects tribal sovereignty."  

Canadian government officials are hoping President-elect Biden will take another look and hear their case for the pipeline.  

Related Story: Alberta Leader Urges Biden To Hear Case For Keystone XL