RE:RE:Keystone one step closer.
Reality of U.S. politics: Obama administration will delay any decision until after the election. The facts have never been an important part of this decision making process. The delay maximizes campaign contributions and avoids alienating important campaign fund raisers for now. This behaviour was quite apparent with the healthcare plan where it took longer to award the disasterous contract than the amount of time the contractor had to implement the contract! Reality is that Obama was raised in Chicago politics--one of the most corrupt systems in any democratic country. Effects on the economy are secondary to maximizing political power and fundraising.
Canada should pass a law in retaliation freezing shale oil travelling through Canada by rail until a study is done reviewing its safety. This study could take years and review railcar standards, the risks of various grades of oil etc. If it were to follow the U.S. model, contracts would need to go to major campaign fundraisers