After President Barack Obama’s announced Wednesday that he is denying a Canadian oil company’s permit application to build the 1,700-mile Keystone XL pipeline, Montana’s three federal lawmakers issued swift rebukes. The project is not necessarily dead, however, as TransCanada can still resubmit an application.
Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester and Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg say the pipeline would create much-needed jobs in Montana. The proposed pipeline would carry oil from Canada through Montana and other states before reaching refineries on the Gulf Coast.
Below are their full statements.
Baucus:
“There is absolutely no reason we cannot start putting Montanans to work on the Keystone XL pipeline right away. We’ve done three-years of analysis and worked hard on strict environmental considerations – now it’s time to move forward on the jobs and energy security our nation deserves, and I’ll keep fighting tooth and nail until that happens.”
Tester:
“I am disappointed in the President’s decision. Just as I have supported Montana’s renewable energy jobs, I have long supported responsibly building this pipeline with the highest safety standards and with respect for private property rights. Oil, coal, natural gas, wind, geothermal and biofuels all provide good jobs in Montana. I will continue to champion Montana’s role in securing America’s energy future.”
Rehberg:
“Today’s shameful decision by President Obama to put his re-election ahead of thousands of jobs for American families shows just how much this Administration and its allies have bought into the radical anti-job agenda of environmental extremists like the League of Conservation Voters. President Obama had an opportunity to put politics aside, and embrace bipartisanship to create jobs. He could have allowed the private sector to create thousands of jobs, funded by private investment. Instead, President Obama found an excuse to erect yet another government road block to economic recovery. But this fight isn’t close to being finished. I’m going to keep pushing this project until the Obama Administration gets out of the way and Montanans are working these jobs.”