Probe finds no wrongdoing for Keystone XL Pipeline review

Friday, February 10, 2012  

The Inspector General at the State Department found no wrongdoing in the use of a company that prepared the environmental impact statement for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline.

The OIG said TransCanada did not improperly influence the State Department to pick Cardno Entrix for the EIS. The report said TransCanada's "influence was minimal" and that the Obama administration controlled the selection process.

Cardno Entrix, which had been the EIS contractor on four other projects involving TransCanada. But the OIG reviewed financial and other documents from both companies and said there was conflict of interest.

The EIS that Cardno Entrix prepared for Keystone XL stated that the pipeline will have a "minimal" impact on the environment. Tribes in the U.S. and First Nations in Canada are opposing the project.

According to the OIG report, the State Department met with tribal leaders on December 7, 2010, to discuss the project.

Get the Story:
Keystone contractor did not pose conflict of interest, IG says (The Washington Post 2/10)
Watchdog Clears State Department of Impropriety in Review of Pipeline Project (The New York Times 2/10)

Get the Report:
Special Review of the Keystone XL Pipeline Permit Process (February 2012)

Native Sun News: Oglala Sioux Tribe to host Keystone XL rally (2/8)
Republicans turn Keystone XL Pipeline into election issue (2/2)
Andrew Bender: Native people lead Keystone XL opposition (1/30)
Native Sun News: Tribes cheer denial of Keystone XL permit (1/27)
Rosebud Sioux Tribe's letter to Sen. Thune on Keystone XL (1/24)
Obama blames GOP for rushed ruling on Keystone XL permit (1/19)
Obama expected to reject a permit for Keystone XL Pipeline (1/18)
Native Sun News: Native women meet to oppose Keystone XL (1/13)
Native Sun News: Rider forces Keystone XL Pipeline decision (01/06)