Griffin: Latest Government Review Shows Obama's Blocking of Keystone Pipeline "Simply Can't Be Justified'

Statement

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement regarding the U.S. State Department's latest and final environmental analysis of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline:

"More than two years after President Obama first rejected the Keystone pipeline, and more than five years after the application to build it was first submitted to the State Department, another Obama Administration review shows that blocking this critical infrastructure improvement project out of political fear simply can't be justified. Out-of-work Americans have waited long enough; it's time to build it. The National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council already determined in June of last year that the oil sands crude that will be transported by the Keystone pipeline is no more corrosive than other crude oils and does not increase the risk of leaks. Modern American pipelines are indisputably the safest way to move the energy resources we all need daily--many times safer than trucks or trains, as shown recently by derailments that resulted in the loss of human life. President Obama and Secretary Kerry should do the right thing for our workers and our environment and let Keystone be built."

On January 22, the Associated Press reported: "Keystone XL, which would transport heavy tar sands crude from Canada and oil from North Dakota's Bakken shale, requires a permit from President Barack Obama because it crosses an international border. That segment has not yet been approved."

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