Recently inaugurated President Donald J. Trump has made international news concerning his plans to advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines. On January 24th Trump had signed five orders in the Oval Office regarding environmental issues. The pipeline would run from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska where it would connect to existing lines running to U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast.

“Great first step by President Trump in the advancement of #Keystone XL, stronger resource development means a stronger economy,” said Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, Stephen Harper on Twitter.

The revival of both pipelines is predicted to increase jobs, energy security Trump also stated that all parts, tools and workers needed for the construction and maintenance of the pipelines will be U.S based. Which in turn is expected to create well over 30,000 jobs for the United States.

John Fugelsang, and American actor and T.V. personality, tweeted about the revival saying “The ppl saying that #Keystone XL will bring down the gas prices are the same ppl who said 2 wars w/Iraq would bring down gas prices.”

Increased interest in the pipelines have angered environmental advocates who say the projects will have severe negative impacts on the areas where they are built and would encourage more reliance on fossil fuels. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its allies have vigorously protested the Dakota Access project, saying it would damage cultural sites. The Chairman of the Rock Sioux, Dave Archambault II, said in an interview that “the tribe would take immediate legal action to fight the executive order.”

“I feel as if it’s a double edged sword. The revival is a bad thing due to the incident of the Dakota Pipeline going through indian land and burial sites, although it’s a good thing due to it creating millions of jobs and the parts require to make it are made in the U.S,” said Sean Lohrer, a school teacher at Jefferson-Morgan.

“I have very conflicting feelings about the construction of both pipelines,” junior Savannah Saesan said. “However, if they manage to work out its few problems such as running through indian territory, I believe that it could be an incredible tool for this country.”

Construction for both pipelines is estimated to be finished in 18-24 months The pipelines are projected to produce 800,000 barrels of oil to be refined in America which, in turn, could lower gas prices.
This is a crucial step towards making America a more independent country but takes the country one step closer to President Trumps goal of making America great again.