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War Over Oil Sands: Report From Washington D.C.

War Over Oil Sands: Report From Washington D.C.

In this major series, Tyee energy reporter Geoff Dembicki reports from America's capital on the intense, high stakes political struggle there fueled by Alberta crude. Canadian politicians, allied with oil lobbyists, are battling environmental groups for the hearts and minds of U.S. politicians with the power to vote either a free flowing future for the oil sands, or climate change legislation that severely crimps Alberta's markets. Dembicki follows the money and strategies being poured into the War Over Oil Sands.

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In This Series

In America's Capital, a Fierce Fight over Oil Sands

In America's Capital, a Fierce Fight over Oil Sands

Today begins The Tyee's major series reported from Washington on the intense, high stakes political struggle fueled by Alberta crude.

Geoff Dembicki / 14 Mar 2011


Breakfast With the Oil Sands' Top Salesman

Breakfast With the Oil Sands' Top Salesman

Meet Tom Corcoran, the ultra-Republican hired to stop clean energy bills that threaten the flow of Alberta crude.

Geoff Dembicki / 15 Mar 2011


Canada Teams with Oil Lobby to Fight US Clean Energy Clause

Canada Teams with Oil Lobby to Fight US Clean Energy Clause

In tandem with Ottawa and Alberta, top oil sands lobbyist Tom Corcoran keeps chipping away at Section 526. Third in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 16 Mar 2011


The Battle to Block Low Carbon Fuel Standards

The Battle to Block Low Carbon Fuel Standards

How the oil sands lobby and a 'supportive' Canadian government defeated US lawmakers trying to make fuels greener.

Geoff Dembicki / 17 Mar 2011


How Enviros Helped Block a Pipeline Worth Billions

How Enviros Helped Block a Pipeline Worth Billions

Battlers against the Keystone XL say they're safeguarding a massive aquifer, the climate, and Canada's reputation. Latest in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 21 Mar 2011


The Kochs: Oil Sands Billionaires Bankrolling US Right

The Kochs: Oil Sands Billionaires Bankrolling US Right

They process about one in four barrels of US-bound Alberta bitumen, and pump millions of dollars into highly conservative, anti-green causes. Latest in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 22 Mar 2011


Canadian Officials 'Aggressive' in Selling Congress on Oil Sands

Canadian Officials 'Aggressive' in Selling Congress on Oil Sands

Albertan and Canadian government reps spin hard to US lawmakers say Capitol Hill insiders. Latest in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 23 Mar 2011


Scandal Rocks Key Player in Canada's Oil Sands PR Push

Scandal Rocks Key Player in Canada's Oil Sands PR Push

Bruce Carson was the 'grey-haired sage' linking PM Harper to oil lobby. Now he's accused of influence peddling for a young former prostitute. Latest in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 25 Mar 2011


Climate Group Says Washington's Oil Sands War Is 'David vs. Goliath'

Climate Group Says Washington's Oil Sands War Is 'David vs. Goliath'

Calgary's Pembina Institute established an outpost in the US capital to counter industry lobbyists. And learned secrecy is a weapon.

Geoff Dembicki / 28 Mar 2011


Alberta's Hired Gun in Washington

Alberta's Hired Gun in Washington

Meet Paul Frazer, the high-powered lobbyist paid by the province to portray an oil sands industry striving to be green. Latest in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 29 Mar 2011


War Cry of Oil Sands Lobby: 'Us against the World'

War Cry of Oil Sands Lobby: 'Us against the World'

That's how Jane Moffat of the Canadian-American Business Council frames the two nations' stake in Alberta crude. Hillary Clinton could be listening.

Geoff Dembicki / 30 Mar 2011


Gary Doer's Startling Embrace of the Oil Sands

Gary Doer's Startling Embrace of the Oil Sands

As Manitoba's NDP premier, he was a top fighter against climate change. Now as Canada's US ambassador, he's done an about face, say chagrined former allies.

Geoff Dembicki / 4 Apr 2011


Killer of US Clean Energy Laws Now Running for Alberta Premier

Killer of US Clean Energy Laws Now Running for Alberta Premier

Gary Mar brags of defeating emissions reductions as province's man in Washington. Latest in a series.

Geoff Dembicki / 5 Apr 2011


Oil Sands Lobbying Without End, Vows American Petroleum Institute

Oil Sands Lobbying Without End, Vows American Petroleum Institute

With millions to spend opposing climate change laws, and 'allies' in Canada's government, API reps 460 oil and gas corporations.

Geoff Dembicki / 6 Apr 2011


Could Financial Might Backing Oil Sands Shift to Renewables?

Could Financial Might Backing Oil Sands Shift to Renewables?

That's the question Steve Kretzmann of Oil Change International is trying to answer. Last in our series.

Geoff Dembicki / 7 Apr 2011