Keystone XL pipeline vows to improve environmental impact

Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) was launched this week with a pledge to rapidly improve the environmental impact expected from developing the nation’s vast oil sand deposits.

There has been significant debate over how to handle the finding of such a large potential source of fuel so close to home.

For months, major Canadian oil producers have been pushing for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline which would pump the oil sands all the way from Alberta down to the Texas coast to be refined. However, many believe constructing the pipeline comes at too great a risk to the environment. In addition to disrupting the natural ecosystems of the Keystone XL’s path, there is always the risk of a pipeline rupture.

To address these concerns, 12 major companies joined COSIA. The group will collaborate with stakeholders including oil producers as well as the Environmental Protection Agency in order to effectively and promptly improve the oil sand process.