Indiana’s elected representatives in Washington are speaking out against a decision by the Obama Administration to reject the construction of the U.S. portion of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
The announcement was made on Friday following a seven-year review process to accept public comment and study the effects of the pipeline. The project was planned to travel from Alberta, Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast to refine what is sometimes referred to as “tar sands” into usable crude oil.
The American Petroleum Institute’s Vice President of Government Affairs Louis Finkel says the rejection is an example of politics coming before American workers.
“Most Americans have said they want the jobs and economic benefits the Keystone XL represents. Unfortunately, the White House has placed political calculations above sound science,” says Finkel.
The Keystone XL Pipeline was the subject of criticism for what was considered to be its environmental impact. Policy groups such as the Sierra Club have pointed to what they believe to be a possible contribution to global climate change, and as a possible threat to freshwater resources.
In a statement, Indiana U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly called the President’s decision “disappointing.” Donnelly has introduced several pieces of legislation designed to speed-up the review process and prevent delays.
U.S. Senator Dan Coats differed little in his statements, saying the president is playing politics with U.S. energy policy. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski also commented, calling the decision a missed opportunity.
