JUDY WOODRUFF: President Obama had faced considerable pressure from the left to act, while he kept his own opinion under wraps. “Today, misplaced symbolism was chosen over merit and science – rhetoric won out over reason”.
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In making his decision, the president said the project would undercut the country’s leadership position on climate change.
Democrats and environmental groups have ratcheted up pressure on Obama to reject the pipeline ahead of this important climate change meeting, arguing that doing so would send a clear message about the USA resolve to combat climate change, according to the Hill, a political news website.
The President announced earlier on Friday that he officially rejected the request from a Canadian company to build the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Supporters of the Keystone deal believed the project would create thousands of jobs and allow for a more stable way to transport oil between Canada and the Gulf Coast of the United States.
TransCanada, for its part, slammed the decision in a press release. “This announcement, along with the President’s proposed carbon plan, are evidence that his energy and economic policies are out of touch with the needs of Arkansans”.
161-c-23-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)-“energy infrastructure project”-AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports the pipeline’s operator is now considering its next move”.
“We finally have the “yes” or “no” the President could not give years ago”.
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There has been a contentious debate over the pipeline for the past seven years. “Together, ranchers, tribal nations, and everyday people beat this project back, reminding the world that Big Oil isn’t invincible – and that organized people can win over organized money”. The pipeline requires a presidential permit to cross the U.S.- Canadian border. She suggested that will improve Alberta’s worldwide reputation and make approvals of future projects more likely. “I agree with that decision”, said Obama.
