President Barack Obama punted on a decision on whether to approve the massive Keystone XL pipeline, which would run from Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast and cut through eastern Montana, until after next year’s election. The 1,700-mile pipeline came under criticism from environmentalists and Nebraska’s Republican governor and the State Department agreed to look at a new route that will delay a final decision until early 2013.
As <a href="http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/us_delays_massive_oil_pipeline_from_canada/25364/" title="the Associated Press reported”>the Associated Press reported, “the heavily contested project has become a political trap” for the president.
He risks angering environmental supporters if he approves the pipeline and could face criticism from labor and business groups for thwarting job creation if he rejects it.
Montana’s U.S. delegation, Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the state’s labor unions have expressed support for the project. And its delay prompted strong rebukes. A few of their statements:
MTAFL-CIO Executive Secretary Al Ekblad: “It would be a huge understatement to say that I am disappointed by the announcement that President Obama is going to delay the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline for up to two years. The construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will provide high-paying private sector jobs and increase the tax revenue in several struggling Montana counties without any expenditure of public money. The solution to the economic problems we are facing is the creation of more jobs that support working families. Workers are tired of electing leaders in both parties who refuse to lead and refuse to make hard decisions that provide real solutions to the jobs crisis in this country.”
Rep. Rehberg: “Pushing this important decision off until after the election is another sign that President Obama seems more concerned about his job than he is about creating good paying jobs in Montana and America. Folks in Montana understand the Keystone XL is about jobs. It’s not about who wins or loses an election next year. This is about getting our economy back on track. The Obama Administration set a deadline for a decision by the end of the year, and they need to honor their word. It’s time to put politics aside and get behind this common-sense pro-job policy.”
Sen. Baucus: “Montana jobs and our energy security are on the line here and I will not stand by and watch more bureaucratic red tape dictate our energy policy. Montana families and communities have been waiting too long for the jobs and energy security Keystone XL will provide to our state and our nation. We’ve done enough analysis. It’s time to put Montanans back to work.”