11.06.15

Hoeven Statement on President Obama's Denial of a Permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline Project

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s denial of a permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline project:

“President Obama’s denial of the Keystone XL pipeline project today following the company’s request to suspend its application is not surprising, but it is disappointing. It ironic that after delaying construction for more than seven years – postponing the jobs, revenues and other benefits that would result from the project – the president now finds it pressing to make a decision just as the company is asking for a pause to resolve any concerns.

“Clearly, the administration is making a political decision when it comes to Keystone, rather than following the legal and regulatory process. That’s why it is so important for four more of our colleagues in the Senate to join the 63 that already support the Keystone so that we can override the president’s veto and approve the project congressionally.

“That’s important, because the Keystone XL pipeline is about more than a single pipeline; in the bigger picture, it’s about building the kind of energy plan and infrastructure we need to make America stronger and more secure, now and in the future. That means building the right mix of pipelines, transmission, roads and rail not only to produce energy but also to transport it as safely and cost-effectively as possible.

“Instead of making it harder for companies to produce and transport energy in the US and Canada by denying projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, the president needs to empower investment in the infrastructure needed to move energy as safely and efficiently as possible. That cannot happen when companies are denied the certainty they need to make the billions of dollars of investment necessary to build large infrastructure projects.

“I believe that ultimately the project will be approved based on the merits and strong support from the public.”

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