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Since 2008 – Progress Through Politics

President Obama: The Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act has earned my veto

From the White House:

Veto Message to the Senate: S. 1, Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

I am returning herewith without my approval S. 1, the “Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act.”  Through this bill, the United States Congress attempts to circumvent longstanding and proven processes for determining whether or not building and operating a cross-border pipeline serves the national interest.

The Presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously.  But I also take seriously my responsibility to the American people.  And because this act of Congress conflicts with established executive branch procedures and cuts short thorough consideration of issues that could bear on our national interest — including our security, safety, and environment — it has earned my veto.

BARACK OBAMA


8 comments

  1. HappyinVT

    Oil supply, demand, and cost are pulling some major levers too: with oil prices at rock-bottom lows, on Monday Royal Dutch Shell announced it was shelving plans to build a new tar sands mine in northern Alberta – the largest such project to be deferred.

    Shell withdrew its applications for the Pierre River project, which would have produced 200,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), to focus on maintaining profitability for its existing 255,000-bpd tar sands operations, according to the company.

    http://thinkprogress.org/clima

  2. HappyinVT

    with Bill McKibben last week.

    He said some things that made great sense and actually made me feel hopeful.  We know who David and Charles Koch are; they are no longer nameless behind-the-scenes operators.  They have pledged to spend $900 million next federal election cycle and I hope they top that; make ’em spend.  India is building the world’s largest solar array; Jordan is putting panels on all 6000 Mosques.  We have won little battles and haven’t lost Keystone yet.  Every day that the project doesn’t start is a day that oil prices drop or remain steady, thereby making the reasons for more drilling a tougher sell.  Already $17 billion in funding has been pulled.

    Are we doing enough? Are we in time?  Probably not but we don’t have a choice.

  3. Diana in NoVa

    It is so very, very agreeable to hear some good news for us “lib’ruls” for a change.

    Gasoline prices are beginning to creep up again but even so, I hope world oil prices remain depressed enough that tar sands will not be a viable option for development.

    I’d like to see us all go solar, to the extent possible.

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