Press Releases

Jan 18 2012
President Claims Keystone XL Jobs, Energy Security, Not in the National Interest

Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement today regarding the President’s rejection of the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline:

“Since when is the creation of thousands of jobs not in the national interest as the President now claims? His decision to block the development of the Keystone XL pipeline, thousands of jobs, and increased energy security is stunning. His decision shows a fundamental disconnect with job creation in this country, and sadly, that his focus is on appealing to his liberal environmental base rather than taking steps that can lead to thousands of jobs and energy security for our nation.”

Background:

The President’s own Jobs Council issued a report Tuesday calling for construction of new pipelines for American energy, saying that such projects would provide vital economic and energy security.
While the President claims to object to these jobs because of decisions yet to be made in Nebraska, the decision on the permit is solely on whether or not the pipeline can cross the U.S.-Canadian border—not about the route it will take after it crosses that border.
According to the law (see relevant excerpt below) that President Obama signed in December, the decision to reject these jobs and greater American energy security, is his alone—the State Department can’t make the decision.
(b) Exception-

(1) IN GENERAL- The President shall not be required to grant the permit under subsection (a) if the President determines that the Keystone XL pipeline would not serve the national interest.

(2) REPORT- If the President determines that the Keystone XL pipeline is not in the national interest under paragraph (1), the President shall, not later than 15 days after the date of the determination, submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives a report that provides a justification for determination, including consideration of economic, employment, energy security, foreign policy, trade, and environmental factors.

(3) EFFECT OF NO FINDING OR ACTION- If a determination is not made under paragraph (1) and no action is taken by the President under subsection (a) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline described in subsection (a) that meets the requirements of subsections (c) and (d) shall be in effect by operation of law.