TOM MAGAZZU Editor With an ominous prediction of $4/gallon gas returning by Memorial Day, it was hoped that President Obama would strongly consider supporting a proposed $7 billion pipeline from Canada to refineries in Texas. Proponents point to the thousands of construction jobs and more permanent refinery jobs it would create and a cooperative venture with our northern ally who is already the leading exporter of oil to the U.S. The move would also reduce our dependence on oil from more volatile regions of the world.

Environmental groups that helped elect the president insist the project is a threat to farmland along the proposed route through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The groups also claim it threatens a large aquifer which two million people depend on for drinking water. Environmentalists would like to see hazmat units stationed at gas stations too... just in case a drop of fuel hits the pavement. So that alarmist reaction doesn’t mean much.

Labor union backers who also helped elect Obama are obviously strong supporters of the project in the U.S. Canadian officials insist Obama’s rejection of the pipeline will not stop it from being built. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the president he was profoundly disappointed that Obama turned down the pipeline. He also indicated that Canada will consider building the pipeline to its west coast, where oil could be shipped to energy-seeking markets across the Pacific.

Let’s alienate another ally... It’s exactly what we need as we enter a critical year for the U.S.

Republicans set an arbitrary deadline. Nonetheless, Obama should revisit the issue.