The Keystone Pipeline ruptured in South Dakota yesterday morning, leaking 210,000 gallons of oil into the surrounding area, according to a statement by TransCanada, the owner of the pipeline.

After the spill was detected, the pipeline was turned off and emergency crews worked to contain the incident, the company reported.

Since the accident occurred in a remote part of the state, no groundwater sources were affected, according to CNN.

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The Keystone Pipeline has been at the center of a years-long, multi-faceted political dispute involving environmentalists, indigenous groups, oil companies, and federal and state officials.

Those who oppose the ongoing construction of the pipeline say that it risks contaminating local environments, accelerates climate change by enabling fossil fuel companies, and violates the rights of native groups.  

Supporters argue that the pipeline is a more efficient and safer way to transport oil that would otherwise be transported via trucks.

In 2015, the Obama administration blocked the pipeline’s construction, but US President Donald Trump reversed that decision shortly after taking office, setting the stage for further protests.

Read More: Trump Signs Order to Put Dakota Access Pipeline, Keystone Pipeline Back in Action

This latest spill in South Dakota has renewed the controversy surrounding the pipeline, especially because Nebraska is expected to make a decision on the construction of a related pipeline, Keystone XL, which farmer groups and others are opposing, according to The New York Times.

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For opponents of the pipeline, this spill is a concrete example of the risks of further construction.

Many people have expressed outrage, confusion, and dismay. Here are 10 of the most powerful responses to the pipeline.  

Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign director Kelly Martin statement:

“We’ve always said it’s not a question of whether a pipeline will spill, but when, and today TransCanada is making our case for us. This is not the first time TransCanada’s pipeline has spilled toxic tar sands, and it won’t be the last.”

May Boeve, 350.org Executive Director statement:

“This is exactly the kind of disaster we can expect more of if Keystone XL is approved. No matter what TransCanada says, there’s no such thing as a safe fossil fuel pipeline."

TopicsEnvironmentClimate ChangeCurrent eventsFossil FuelsOilOil SpillKeystone Pipeline

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Defend the Planet

The 10 Most Powerful Reactions to the Keystone Pipeline Spill

By Joe McCarthy