Keystone XL: A Path to Texas' Future

The need for a sustainable source of energy is as important to Texas as it is to America. The proposed Keystone XL, a pipeline that would run from Canada to the Gulf Coast of Texas, is the most viable option to meet that need in some time. Barry Smitherman, a member of the Texas Railroad Commision, mirrors this sentiment. The commentary article Mr. Smitherman wrote for the Austin American Statesman website on September 27th(Visit Keystone XL), is a clear cut argument for the approval of this project, in my opinion. Mr. Smitherman is appealing to all Texans who've had to buckle down during these recession years. The projected economic impact of this pipeline (50,300 person-years of employment and $1.6 billion in increased personal income) alone is a boost to a Texas economy that's already beginning to sputter. The ecological impact has been exhaustively reviewed and the verdict still remains that this pipeline won't have any major impacts. Mr. Smitherman is correct in advocating for a project that can do nothing but boost the Texas economy and Texans' personal pocketbooks while having no signicant ecological impact. The Keystone XL has national appeal as well, being a signicant counter-measure in the dependence on foreign oil. These reasons, combined with my personal belief, confirm that a new "trans-continental" pipeline could be a huge boost to the economy, both to Texas and the United States.

Rep. Smith Pushes for His Own IImmigration Reform

Rep. Lamar Smith has begun pushing for the mandatory use of E-Verify, an immigration status verification system used to determine the legality of an employee's work status. From this article in the Texas Tribune, Rep. Smith argues the rationale that if more illegal immigrants were kept from entering the workforce, then more citizens would have the opportunity to obtain those available jobs. Rep. Smith goes on to stipulate that this would help the unemployment rate significantly as well as alleviating those workers who are underemployed due to the weak economy. This bill has opponents, however, such as U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson. Rep. Jackson states that, on its' own, the illegal immigration population of Houston contributes 27.3 billion to the gross regional product. Each makes a compelling argument, and if immigration issues interest you, then you will certainly find some intersting arguments for both sides.