Americans Against Big Oil Ripoffs Launches Illinois Campaign Opposing TransCanada's Keystone XL Pipeline

Group warns of higher gas prices in Illinois if pipeline is approved

CHICAGO, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new citizens group called Americans Against Big Oil Ripoffs, today announced an Illinois campaign opposing TransCanada's building of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline, if approved, would raise gasoline prices approximately 15 cents per gallon (or $6.55 per barrel) above 2008 prices in the Midwest, according to a report commissioned on behalf of TransCanada(1).

"This is a dirty, risky and expensive pipeline that will raise gas prices for Midwest consumers and farmers," said Kenny Bruno of Americans Against Big Oil Ripoffs. "Midwestern officials should stand with consumers and stop this pipeline."

The campaign is formally launching with a billboard outside Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The billboard display will run for a month beginning July 14th to alert consumers to the pipeline's impact on gas prices in the Midwest. The billboard reads, "TransCanada's Pipeline = Higher Gas Prices. Don't Be Fooled By Big Oil!" The campaign's launch also includes a website, www.stopbigoilripoffs.com, which allows visitors to contact Illinois leaders to tell them to oppose the pipeline.

"TransCanada and refinery companies are planning to manipulate oil markets with this pipeline. We won't stand by and let that happen," said Bruno. If the project is approved, TransCanada's pipeline would cost American consumers as much as $3.9 billion annually, according to an independent analysis⁽2). The same independent analysis also suggests that the pipeline is intended to facilitate exports of the tar sands oil to China.

Keystone XL is supported by the American Petroleum Institute, a national trade association that supports America's continued reliance on fossil fuels. The industry stands to reap billions in profits for Canadian oil companies from the project at the expense of Midwest consumers by routing oil to Gulf Coast refineries, instead of directly to the Midwest.

"It's time for Midwest elected officials and President Obama to stand up to Big Oil by stopping a project that harms the environment and consumers," said Bruno.

About Americans Against Big Oil Ripoffs:

Americans Against Big Oil Ripoffs is a citizens group dedicated to protecting consumers from the market exploitations of big oil companies. To learn more, visit www.stopbigoilripoffs.com.

(1)  "Western Canadian Crude Supply and Markets," p. 27, Purvin & Gertz Inc., February 12, 2009

(2)  Philip K. Verleger, Jr. "The Tar Sands Road to China," p. 7, PKVerleger LLC, May 2011

SOURCE Americans Against Big Oil Ripoffs