Tar sands is an extremely controversial topic which lights up very strong opinions on both sides of the political isle. It is often viewed as a "choice between the environment and the economy." Tar sands projects can be potentially dangerous to the environment, and many take issue with the implementation of this process as a means of creating energy on these grounds. The process has a much higher impact on the environment than conventional oil. As such, many environmental groups lobbied against the process because it would serve to lock the US into fossil fuels instead of incentivizing cleaner sources of energy. However, others sing the praises of the means of energy creation as it would allow the US to become more energy independent, lessening our reliance upon foreign sources of oil and lowering energy costs.
It appears today, however, that neither side has appeared a winner when the Keyston XL pipeline is considered, as President Obama's decision served only to delay the decision on the pipeline. This was very likely a political move to avoid being forced to alienate potential voters on either side of the issue by making a decision. However, the project will likely fall by the wayside, as the likelihood of the plans being continued through to 2013 are unlikely.
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