So, there is STILL no approved route through Nebraska. That was my point.
First of all, there is crass politics being played on both sides. For the life of me I can't understand why right wingers in the U.S. are so concerned about a pipeline that will be built by a foreign company to ship foreign oil to the Gulf coast for the filthy refining job to be shipped to overseas markets. It's perhaps an interesting side issue, but our House of Representatives has reacted as if carrying water for Keystone and the oil companies in Canada is at the top of their list of things to do for the U.S. It makes no sense. As a Canadian, I guess I understand your concern, but see no reason why a U.S. political system should hop when Canadians say 'jump' or why anyone on this side of the border not directly affected, roughly 99.99% of the U.S., has more than a passing interest.
First of all, as I said, I mostly agree with you that the pipeline will have little effect - you quoted me saying the oil is coming out of the ground one way or another. But the fact is the captured carbon in the oil sands IS significant in relation to the big picture. It's not the only problem, but there is no ONE step that if taken will all by itself address the problems of carbon and climate change, if carbon is a serious threat. So saying about each source of carbon, THAT one by itself if addressed will not solve the issue, is just a convenient way to throw up one's hands and say let's do nothing at all.
I haven't been dancing around or thumping my chest on this issue at all. You brought up the issue, and I addressed it rationally and calmly, even agreeing with much of your point about AGW and the oil sands.