I believe that President Obama has already made up his mind on the tar sand issue. He is going approve it. So what can be done? His usual manner of negotiation consist of giving away as much as possible to get a deal. I believe those who are opposing the tar sand pipeline should change direction. Try and get President Obama to get something when gives away the store. He could make a deal with the oil companies, he will agree with to the pipeline if the oil companies support and pass a gas tax to fully fund the following:
1. raise the gas tax by at least .10 cents a gallon, more if needed, and use the money for research and development,
2. fund research to develop a viable battery for an electric car.
3. researchers say we can build a solar farm in a 100 sq. mile area on federal land in the desert, that would produce enough electricity for the entire country, we could also build wind farms on federal land in the Dakotas. america should do both.
4. build new power transmission lines to provide the new power to the country.
5. provide tax breaks and grants to poor and middle class people to encourage them to buy electric cars.
6. put a greater investment on research and development of nuclear fusion.
There is no doubt in my mind President Obama could bring together politicians, and environmentalists to agree on a place in the desert to build the solar power plant. He would also be able to bring people together for winds farms in the Dakotas.