Hoyer Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer released the following statement today on Republican efforts to cut short the permitting process for the Keystone XL pipline from Canada:
“Today, I voted against Republican legislation that would cut short the permitting process for the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada. I support the pipeline, but this bill is a solution in search of a problem. The Obama Administration remains set to make a decision on the pipeline by the end of the year. Cutting short the timeline for a decision would restrict the administration’s opportunity to hear comments and input from the relevant federal agencies, the states, and the public on the range of issues raised by the pipeline: its environmental impact, potential safety problems posed by a pipeline moving this specific kind of crude oil, and, above all, the question of whether approving the pipeline is in the national interest. I urge the Obama Administration to conclude the permitting process in a timely manner, but this unnecessary bill would do little to encourage a responsible and well-informed decision.”
Visit http://www.democraticwhip.gov/ for more press, floor and member resources.