Obama Administration Delays Decision On Keystone XL Pipeline

The Obama administration announced that it was delaying a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline with this press release from the State Department.

On April 18, 2014, the Department of State notified the eight federal agencies specified in Executive Order 13337 we will provide more time for the submission of their views on the proposed Keystone Pipeline Project.

Agencies need additional time based on the uncertainty created by the on-going litigation in the Nebraska Supreme Court which could ultimately affect the pipeline route in that state.

In addition, during this time we will review and appropriately consider the unprecedented number of new public comments, approximately 2.5 million, received during the public comment period that closed on March 7, 2014.

The agency consultation process is not starting over. The process is ongoing, and the Department and relevant agencies are actively continuing their work in assessing the Permit application.

The Permit process will conclude once factors that have a significant impact on determining the national interest of the proposed project have been evaluated and appropriately reflected in the decision documents. The Department will give the agencies sufficient time to submit their views.

The American Petroleum Institute expressed their disappointment in the delay with the following press release.

The White House move to further the delay a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline after almost six years of exhaustive review is not in our national interest and Congress should act, API President and CEO Jack Gerard said today.
 

“It’s a sad day for America’s workers when politics trumps job creating policy at the White House,” said Gerard. “After nearly six years of review, repeated research on the pipeline’s benefits to economic security and job growth, numerous studies confirming no significant environmental impacts, with the backing of organized labor, and poll after poll showing the support of American voters – if the White House lacks the political leadership to make a decision, we call on Congress to represent the will of the people and act.

“Strong majorities in the House and the Senate have publicly called for Keystone XL’s approval. Now they have a chance to show the voters they are ready to put job creation, economic growth, and our country’s energy security first.

“It’s ironic that Vice President Biden is promoting pipeline development in response to the Ukrainian crisis, while the administration cannot make a decision on one of our own.”

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.