Unions, GOP call review a ‘job killer’
Citing environmental fears, the State Department on Thursday ordered a new review of a Canada-to-Texas oil pipeline, effectively delaying a final decision until after the 2012 elections and prompting a wave of criticism from businesses, unions and congressional Republicans, who called the move a “job killer.”
The State Department instructed thatTransCanada’s planned Keystone XL pipeline be moved yet again, saying the current route could destroy Nebraska’s sandhills and the Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies water for much of the Midwest. The needed environmental reviews and approval processes for any new route for the pipeline will put off final approval for the project until at least early 2013.
“I support the State Department’s announcement today regarding the need to seek additional information about the Keystone XL Pipelineproposal,” President Obama said in a statement.
“Because this permit decision could affect the health and safety of the American people as well as the environment … we should take the time to ensure that all questions are properly addressed and all the potential impacts are properly understood. The final decision should be guided by an open, transparent process that is informed by the best available science and the voices of the American people.”
The result of the delay, which puts off a decision on a matter that pits Mr. Obama’s environmentalist backers, who call the pipeline dangerous, against his union supporters, who say the nation needs these jobs immediately, prompted suspicion from Republicans on Capitol Hill.
“I will note the timing looks suspiciously political,” said Sen. Mike Johanns, Nebraska Republican. “Why would this review require 18 months? The State Department spent many months examining multiple routes through Nebraska, one of which is adjacent to the Keystonepipeline operating today.”
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