Shocked Unintended Consequences
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Sep 8, 2025 
Jade Begay, a climate justice advocate from Taos Pueblo, and Ryan Kellogg, an environmental economist, dive into the complex dynamics of oil pipelines and climate action. They discuss the significance of the Standing Rock protests and the unintended consequences of blocking pipelines. Ryan shares insights into the economics of oil transport and how blocking the Dakota Access Pipeline might have led to more rail transport, raising safety and pollution concerns. Jade emphasizes the importance of balancing tribal sovereignty with renewable energy transitions.
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From BP Engineer To Pipeline Researcher
- Ryan Kellogg recounted his path from chemical engineer in Houston to economist studying pipelines and the Bakken fracking boom.
- He used that industry experience to question what would happen if the Dakota Access Pipeline had been blocked.
Pipelines Lower Marginal Transport Costs
- Pipelines have low marginal transport costs once built, whereas trains require extra cars and locomotives for more capacity.
- That cost gap makes pipelines economically preferable and encourages higher production when capacity exists.
Blocking Pipelines Often Shifts Transport
- Kellogg's analysis estimated that about 80% of oil would have moved by rail if Dakota Access were blocked.
- Blocking the pipeline would therefore have reduced but not eliminated production.