Kerry’s determination spells nearly certain death for the massive project, a seven-year political fight that has pitted oil companies and Republicans against environmentalists and liberal activists.
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The Keystone project has taken on a symbolic role in recent years, amid broader clashes on climate change, energy and the economy.
President Obama today announced he’s rejecting the permit application by TransCanada, saying the project would undermine the country’s global leadership on climate change.
“Now, the truth is, the United States will continue to rely on oil and gas as we transition – as we must transition – to a clean energy economy”, Obama said.
This decision will undoubtedly be seen as one of the defining moments of Obama’s presidency in terms of his efforts to protect the environment. This outcome for the proposal, which sparked strong opinions from both advocates and opponents, also saw newly installed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weigh in on the decision, his first major policy remark since taking office Wednesday.
The state’s congressional delegation is divided along party lines over President Obama’s decision to reject construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
“This was another step in making America more energy independent and had the support of more than 60 percent of Americans”.
June 25, 2013 – Obama declares he will only approve the project if it doesn’t worsen carbon pollution. The White House says they’re hoping to negotiate an worldwide agreement that can curb global warming.
He added, “Shipping dirtier crude oil into our country would not increase America’s energy security”.
Earlier this week, TransCanada asked the US State Department to put its review of the project on hold.
“Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd insisted that the Keystone XL pipeline failed to get support because “environmental movement … dragged the president to this position”.
“President Obama’s decision to reject Keystone XL because of its impact on the climate is nothing short of historic”.
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The pipeline for TransCanada Corp. would have moved more then 800,000 barrels a day from Alberta’s shale oil fields.
