Canadian crude has higher emissions toll but is good for U.S. energy security

June 17, 2009

In a report titled The Canadian Oilsands: Energy Security vs. Climate Change, the Council on Foreign Relations: Center for Geoeconomic Studies presented a chart showing the average per-barrel emissions relative to the average barrel consumed in the U.S., showing that indeed, Canadian oil has a higher emissions toll. However, where it is detrimental to climate change, it is enhancing to energy security, and the report concludes with a policy proposal to balance these two issues.