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.
In This Series
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.