Q: I have not read anywhere about the possibility of building a refinery nearer to the source of the oil in Canada, rather than constructing a pipeline to Texas. During the hurricane aftermath on the Gulf Coast, there was a cry that we needed our refineries in more areas than just the Gulf so that production won't be shut down. What are the reasons this option has not been discussed?
-- Clinton Clausen, Honolulu
A: There have been discussions about building an additional refinery in Alberta, Canada, which already has refineries, Andrew Leach, an associate professor of natural resources, energy and environment at the University of Alberta, told Q&A on the News in an email. But the key to the proposed Keystone Pipeline, which would transport up to 830,000 barrels a day of crude oil from Alberta through five states to refineries in Texas, is that it would allow "Canadian oil to provide a feedstock to existing U.S. refineries," instead of competing against them. "... Right now, the cheapest capacity available is on the Gulf Coast," Leach said.
Q: How many people in Georgia depend on food stamps to provide for their families?
-- Tom McFarland, Americus
A: In December, 1,885,046 people in Georgia received food stamps. That equaled $257,570,031 in food stamp benefits, Ravae Graham, the deputy director of Legislative Affairs and Communications for the Department of Human Services, told Q&A on the News in an email.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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