In a recent op-ed for the Texas Tribune and interview with Bloomberg, Strauss Center Distinguished Scholar and UT Engineering professor Michael Webber discusses the recently revived debate over the Keystone XL pipeline. In the interview and his op-ed, The risks and rewards of Keystone XL, Webber explains that changing economic and geopolitical conditions must be taken into account when contemplating approval or disapproval of the project.

In economic terms, Webber points out that oil prices and unemployment rates have fallen since the project’s initial proposal. Thus, while the pipeline is still economically preferable over other transport options like rail, “the frenzy has passed.” From a geopolitical perspective, Webber explains that while Canadian crude formerly served as an ideal replacement for Middle Eastern imports, rising U.S. production has put the nation on the road to self-sufficiency.

Ultimately, Webber concludes that even when taking into account the changing situation surrounding Keystone XL, “the project is worth supporting, but only with the right kinds of environmental protections in place.” Furthermore, Webber emphasizes that given the choice between “rail to China” or “pipe to Texas,” the latter remains the economically and environmentally superior option.