Tap Dancing Around the Energy Issue

Statement

Governor Charles E. "Buddy" Roemer released the following statement today on President Obama's rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline extension:

"Yesterday's announcement that President Obama is formally rejecting the Keystone XL Pipeline amounts to nothing more than a ridiculous political decision that amounts to the virtual loss of thousands of American jobs that could have been created through pipeline construction -- the safest method of transporting oil -- and through oil refining. The simple fact is that whether we are the beneficiaries of this agreement or not, Canada will still sell their oil on the global market, and the potential for environmental damage will still exist, or even increase, if they are shipped elsewhere."

"A far preferable alternative would be to keep the oil and 25,000 annual jobs here, take a step away from our addiction to oil from the Middle East, accelerate the conversion of government vehicles to American-produced natural gas, and develop an energy policy that achieves a huge degree of independence, alternative sources of energy, cooperation with Mexico and Canada, jobs in the millions from affordable manufacturing, and achieve environmental advances by drilling for natural gas with only 20 percent of the carbon footprint of oil and with high standards for fracking control and safety."

"One way or another, the United States still needs to meet energy needs in the short term. It is up to President Obama whether that need is met by Canada, our number one supplier, or by an exporter completely hostile to U.S. interests, like Venezuela. Buying our oil from within North America, from our ally, is well within the strategic interest of the United States."

"Given the delays they've seen from our president on this issue, Canada may well choose to give up on America and build a pipeline to the sea, shipping their oil to our primary economic rival, China. Doing so will further benefit China's economy while ours continues to suffer. Haven't we sent enough of our jobs to China already? In my view, the votes of the millions of unemployed Americans looking for opportunities should be the ones that the president should be competing for."

"We are a nation at risk, with a need for tax reform, budget reform, immigration reform, trade reform, regulatory reform, health reform, bank reform, patent reform, currency reform, jobs reform, and energy reform. But the money gets in the way of these big decisions -- none of these reforms will happen without first limiting the influence of big money in our politics."

"We need leadership and Action, Mr. President, not tap-dancing and pandering."

Governor Buddy Roemer is a four-term Congressman and former Governor of Louisiana. He is known for refusing PAC and special interest money, implementing campaign finance reform, turning around Louisiana's failing economy and cutting the state's unemployment rate in half in just four years. Roemer is a candidate for President of the United States. His website is www.BuddyRoemer.com.

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