President D. Trump signed another decree reversing Obama's policy

(Baonghean.vn)- During his first days in office, new US President Donald Trump has continuously signed decrees reversing the policies of former President Barack Obama.

New President Trump signs the decree in the Oval Office, White House. Photo: Getty

After the decree withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), on January 24, Mr. Trump signed an executive order allowing the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline project between the US and Canada. From the beginning, this cross-country oil pipeline project became a controversial political issue in the US and was stalled under Mr. Obama.

It is expected that the Washington administration and the companies involved will renegotiate the terms stated in the newly signed decree.

The Keystone XL project was proposed by TransCanada Corp of Canada and ConocoPhillips of the US in 2008, with a total investment of 7 billion USD. With a length of 3,462 km running through 6 states of the US, this pipeline is expected to be built in 2 phases and when completed can transport more than 800,000 barrels of oil/day from oil fields in Canada to refineries in the southern coast states of the US.

President-elect Trump has said the proposed oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico “must be approved.” He supports Keystone XL, but argues that because the project requires the U.S. government to expropriate private land, Washington should receive a share of the profits from the pipeline.

Mr. Trump's statement contradicts his predecessor, Mr. Obama. Previously, Mr. Obama said the Keystone XL project would not serve the national interests of the United States, contribute to long-term and meaningful economic growth, reduce gas prices, or protect the environment.

According to Mr. Obama's explanation, America has a leading role in the fight against climate change, so approving this project will affect Washington's position.

The Keystone XL project runs through six US states. Photo: CNBC

In addition, the Keystone XL project also faces strong opposition from many environmental activists, because of concerns that the pipeline will increase US greenhouse gas emissions.

They say the project would consume a lot of energy to extract the oil and could lead to an ecological disaster if an oil spill occurs, threatening groundwater in the vast Central Highlands states of the United States, endangering rural towns and local residents.

Therefore, Mr. Trump's decision to allow the Keystone pipeline to resume construction is considered a heavy blow to environmental activists. They say that Mr. Trump has only taken office for 4 days but he has proven to be a dangerous threat to the environment./.

Lan Ha

(According to CNBC)