Pipeline is an investment in infrastructure that sets up a sunk cost argument against moving away from oil as a driving source of energy. "Why would we invest

Pipeline is an investment in infrastructure that sets up a sunk cost argument against moving away from oil as a driving source of energy. "Why would we invest in more clean/green energy sources when we have this brand new pipeline?" It essentially hardens the argument (and subsequent lobbying) for these industries. I get that it is a huge source of income for folks who travel to and live in these areas. However, it's not a forward looking path--particularly when the environmental impact and costs are so high up front. In that respect, using trucks--while theoretically having a larger short term impact on emissions--allows for future flexibility and doesn't break into the earth in such a permanent and invasive way.