1.  What announcement did Canadian energy company Trans Canada make on Monday?

2.  When does Trans Canada expect the project to be completed?

3.  a) The OK to TX project is only part of a larger plan TransCanada has.  What would the larger plan entail?
b)  Why is TransCanada only working on part of the plan now?

4.  a) Who supports the TransCanada project?  Why?
b)  What other reason is there for supporting the larger TransCanada project?
c)  Who opposes the TransCanada project?  Why?

5.  BEFORE you answer this question, read the information under "Background" below the questions, and check out the links under "Resources."
Consider the following: Whether you support or oppose extraction, transportation and use of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) to provide energy and power, there isn't an alternative that would provide enough power and transportation fuel to eliminate their use.  [NOTE: Wind and solar cannot generate even a small percentage of the power we need in the U.S.  Also, do you know where the electricity comes from to charge electric cars? Hint: see cartoon below.]

Think about what life would be like if we didn't extract the oil and gas we need to be mobile.  Do you think people who live in third world countries without these services are better off?  Given the choice, do you think they would prefer to stay in the dark? Explain your answers.