1.  a) How many miles of crude oil pipelines currently crisscross the U.S.?
b)  What is the Keystone XL pipeline?  Be specific.

2.  Why did the Obama administration block the permit TransCanada needs to build the pipeline?

3.  a) What individuals/groups are opposed to the Keystone pipeline?  Why?
b)  How does the environmental group Friends of the Earth want the oil to be transported?

4.  How do energy experts defend the construction of Keystone, and refute environmentalists' objections? Be specific.

5.  What is TransCanada doing to address the Obama administration's concerns about the route of the Keystone XL pipeline?

6.  Read the information under "Background" below the questions, and visit the website links under "Resources."  Consider this information, as well as the maps found in the article.  Your answers to these questions will help you decide which candidates you would vote for in state, local and national elections.  Find the candidate who takes the same stand on the issue that you do. (It is necessary to consider all of the major issues of the day, and which side of the issues the candidates support.  Vote for the candidate who agrees with you on the issues that are the most important to you.)
a)  Were you aware of the extent of the fuel pipelines that cross the U.S.?
b)  What do you think about assurances that the new Keystone pipeline will be safe?  Explain your answer.
c)  Which is more important: protecting the environment from any possibility of an oil spill, or creating jobs and providing abundant, affordable fuel?  Explain your answer.
d)  Do you think Americans should support construction of the Keystone XL pipeline?  Explain your answer.
e)  Discuss your answers to #6 with a parent.  How do your answers compare?