Isakson, Perdue Respond to Administration's Rejection of Keystone Xl Pipeline

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., today released the following statements after President Obama rejected the Keystone XL pipeline:

"President Obama has made the wrong decision for America by rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline," said Senator Isakson. "Today's action means that we will be missing the opportunity to be an energy-independent nation. The American people are still struggling in today's economy, and they expect and deserve Washington to cut red tape to unleash America's energy resources. This project would create American jobs, ensure America's energy security and reinforce relations with our largest trading partner. Building the Keystone XL pipeline is an important step toward meeting these goals."

"Let's be honest, President Obama was never serious about working with Congress to unleash our energy resources," said Senator Perdue. "For years, it's been clear the Keystone Pipeline would have jumpstarted the economy, helped lower energy costs for families, and created good paying jobs. President Obama's politically motivated decisions put special interest groups and his liberal climate agenda ahead of working middle class families, and today's decision to reject Keystone is no different. I will continue to fight to grow our economy and unlock our nation's full energy potential."

Isakson and Perdue have been strong proponents of the Keystone XL pipeline and co-sponsored legislation to force the Obama administration to issue a construction permit for the Keystone XL pipeline within 60 days.

Background:

The $7 billion, 1,700-mile, high-tech Keystone XL pipeline will carry 830,000 barrels of oil a day to U.S. refineries, including oil from Alberta, Canada, in addition to 100,000 barrels per day of light, sweet crude from the U.S. Bakken region in North Dakota and Montana. During the construction phase, the project would create up to 42,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, according to the U.S. State Department.

The Keystone XL pipeline project has been under review for more than six years, with five environmental reports completed to date.

Source