Oil Investor and Energy Reports with Kent Moors

Late Friday afternoon, the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline cleared one of its biggest hurdles.

In its Final Environmental Impact Statement, the U.S. Department of State concluded that completing the pipeline’s northern leg would not have a major impact on global greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the much-anticipated report, the Canadian oil sands are likely to be developed – with or without the controversial pipeline.

That makes the Keystone XL something of a non-factor in the broader environmental debate.

Yet, it is still not clear whether this project measures up to the climate priorities of the White House.

That means there is still some serious politics ahead…