President Barack Obama rejected a permit for the controversial
Keystone XL
Pipeline on Wednesday, blaming Republicans for forcing him to make a decision under a "rushed and arbitrary deadline."
Obama previously said he wouldn't make a decision under after the November elections. But a rider in an unrelated bill forced him to take action sooner.
"This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people," Obama said in a
statement. "I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil."
The
State Department said
TransCanada can ask for a permit again.
The $7 billion, 1,700-mile pipeline will start in Canada and cross Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Tribes and First Nations along the route oppose the pipeline.
Get the Story:
Obama administration rejects Keystone XL pipeline
(The Washington Post 1/19)
Rejecting Pipeline Proposal, Obama Blames Congress
(The New York Times 1/19)
Keystone XL pipeline reaction follows party line
(The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 1/19)
President turns thumbs down on Keystone XL
(The Lincoln Journal Star 1/19)
An Opinion:
Editorial: Obama hits 'restart' button with pipeline decision
(The Great Falls Tribune 1/19)
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