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In reply to the discussion: Traders Are 'Scared As Hell' Of What's Happening In Venezuela [View all]Divernan
(15,480 posts)This is, in part, due to a global economic shift. Oil makes up 95% of Venezuela's exports, and the commodity has gotten absolutely crushed in the past month down 28%. Some accuse Saudi Arabia of keeping the price low to compete with the world's burgeoning natural gas industry an allegation the Kingdom and OPEC have categorically denied.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/traders-scared-as-hell-of-venezuela-2014-11#ixzz3Iytzfgu7
The Keystone Pipeline will exacerbate the situation as it ships Bakken crude to New Orleans to be processed and sold abroad. And what benefits to the U.S.?
As far as new jobs go, the State Department estimates the operation of the pipeline will only create 35 permanent, full-time jobs and 15 temporary contractors. The full-time workers would be "required for annual operations, including routine inspections, maintenance and repair." Some would work in a Nebraska field office.
The lack of many full-time positions makes sense, given that the project is to build a pipeline so that tar sands can travel without the need of rail cars or ships. The State Department figures construction would require around 10,400 seasonal workers for stretches that would last either four or eight months. This works out to 3,900 "average annual" jobs over one year of construction, or 1,950 jobs each year if the project takes two years to finish. Construction work would be spread over four states, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas, though most workers would be specialized and need to be brought in from outside those states, the report notes.
http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2014/nov/11/anna-kooiman/fox-news-host-keystone-pipeline-would-create-tens-/
So we'd trade off invaluable, irreplaceable natural resources in exchange for 35 permanent, full-time jobs and 15 temporary contractors - oh and of course gifting Frackers and their one percent owners with vastly increased profits.
The Senate Dems are cashing in on their last hurrah before losing the majority by calling up this legislation - while they still have the power to trigger lobbyists' donations. Once the Republicans have the majorities in both chambers, the lobbyists will be few and far between for Dem. politicians.