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State Department, Dems on the Keystone XL: Obama...It's Time to Build
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In addition to the mounting pressure by the Canadian government, the State Department has now added its voice to the cause, urging U.S. President Barack Obama to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project, according to multiple news reports.
The State Department released its final environmental findings pertaining to the project at a review panel held on Friday, January 31. The department noted that going forward with the project would not be cause for any major environmental concerns.
Senate Democrats, who have largely been on the fence about the project, are joining with Republicans and the State Department, calling for a green-light.
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, said: "This new study underscores what has been said all along about the Keystone XL Pipeline: It's time to build."
Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, commented: "Five years, five federal reviews, dozens of public meetings, over a million comments and one conclusion – the Keystone XL pipeline is safe for the environment. This final review puts to rest any credible concerns about the pipeline’s potential negative impact on the environment."
Though President Obama has said he will make a decision on the project, a definitive date has not yet been announced. Secretary of State John Kerry is also slated to submit a recommendation on the project (positive or negative) to President Obama prior to his decision.
White House spokesman Matt Lerich made the following statement late Friday: "A decision on whether the project is in the nationalo interest will be made only after careful consideration of the [State Department environment impact study] and other pertinent information, comments from the public and views of other agency heads."
Kerri-Ann Jones, the assistant secretary of state for oceans and international affairs, commented: "[Kerry] will deliberate and take the time he needs [to make an appropriate decision on the Keystone XL]."
Landrieu added: "I urge the administration to act swiftly and give final approval so we can put people to work in these good-paying jobs right away."
The project was initially set for a decision in late 2011, but it was delayed due to the presidential election.