President Obama vetoed the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal, marking just the third time Obama’s has vetoed a bill. This veto will cease all construction currently taking place on the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline is intended to run 1,179 miles from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

Senior Mathematics Major  Josh Skiba, weighed in on the implications of the Pipeline.

“I agree with President Obama’s decision to veto the pipeline. Although it will add jobs, many of the jobs that are created will be temporary. Frankly, I don’t see a good enough reason to put the environment at risk and increase CO2 emissions.” Skiba said.

This has been an ongoing discussion for some years now. Conservatives have been in favor of the pipeline to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Alternatively, environmentalists have been adamant about the risks and dangers associated with transporting crude tar sand oil through farmlands and ecosystems.

Junior Mathematics and Management Major Olivia Tusa recognized the potential for environmental issues but viewed job growth and economic stability as more pressing issues.

“I am personally in favor of the pipeline, because I believe it would stimulate our economy and create jobs for many Americans workers who are currently unemployed. I understand there might be some environmental hazards but with our technology and our resources the issues won’t to big to handle,” Tusa said

For some, the environmental risks are not as imminent as argued.

“There’s bound to be small environmental problems but nothing that should deter the completion and implementation of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The struggle to complete this project definitely isn’t over and will continue to make headlines in the future,” Tusa said.

Republican Congressmen John Boehner and Mitch McConnell published an op-ed piece denouncing President Obama’s intentions. They claimed his allure for appeasing environmental extremists may be too powerful to ignore, and that the President is sadly mistaken if he thinks the fight for this project is over because of his veto.

Much of the debate stems from difference in weighing the risks and rewards. Many advocates for the pipeline cite economic and resource sustainability as main reasons for completing the project.

On the other side of the argument much has been made about the environmental risks as well as the unstableness of jobs that will be provided. They also advocate for the increased implementation of cleaner and safer energy sources.

Senior Classics Major Rachel Ackermann was vocal about her opinion of the XL Pipeline.

“Overall, it’s a thrilling to see President Obama veto this bill, but its only one step closer. They still have to work on the permit, this bill was just in reference to the construction of the pipeline, and congress can still overturn the President’s veto with a 2/3 majority in both houses,” Ackermann said

She had more to say on the overall struggle this conflict has been for both sides.

“This has been ongoing for years so I don’t see an end coming anytime soon. Currently the Department of State is working on studying the environmental impact that the pipeline will have and to see what kind of damage this would do to lands around it, and determine if we can or cannot construct it without further damaging the earth,” Ackermann said.

For others, the interest of jobs and a boosted economy seems too large to pass up.

“The prospective jobs that were estimated around 40,000 aren’t necessarily going to go to waste because there are plenty of other industries like the alternative energy sector that have projects that are up and coming. Solar Roadways will be going commercial by next year and will definitely need workers for construction of the road,” Ackerman said.

Even after the President’s most recent veto, Congress has the ability to overturn the ruling by a 2/3 majority. According to the voting numbers on the initial bill, they will need about 15 more votes in order to do so.

Amidst the looming Pipeline debate, environmentalists are looking at the current situation with confidence and optimism.

“It shows that there are people standing up, while also showing people are supporting it, and that it will continue to be an ongoing process. At some point there will be decisive measures taken to bring this to a conclusion sooner rather than later,” Skiba said.

Only time will tell how this issue will be resolved. One thing is certain: the debate for the Keystone XL Pipeline will continue on the national stage, with heavy support from both sides.

-Mark Siatta