WASHINGTON – A look at reaction to the U.S. State Department’s environmental impact report on TransCanada Corp.’s (TSX:TRP) proposed Keystone XL pipeline:
“This has been a lengthy and thorough review process. The benefits to the United States and to Canada are clear. We await a timely decision on this project.” — Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver.
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“There is a simple question that needs to be answered: Is this pipeline in America’s national interest. From our perspective, from an environmental perspective, we continue to believe that the answer is undoubtedly yes.” — TransCanada chief executive Russ Girling.
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“The final supplemental environmental impact statement is an important step toward approval of a pipeline that will build our economic partnership with our friends in the U.S. and help foster North American energy security and independence.” — Alberta Premier Alison Redford.
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“This State Department report, I think, should cause some optimism. But at the end of the day, it is a decision that rests with the president.” — Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
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“Technically there’s no deadline.” — State Department spokeswoman Melanie Harf on when Secretary of State John Kerry will make a recommendation to the president.
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“If President Barack Obama truly wants to be able to tell his kids he did everything he could to combat climate change, then he must reject this pipeline because it is a fuse to one of the largest carbon bombs on the planet.” — Mike Hudema, a Greenpeace Canada climate and energy campaigner.
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“President Obama says he will only approve Keystone XL if it does not significantly worsen carbon pollution. By that standard, Keystone XL is not in the U.S. national interest.” — Clare Demerse, federal policy director at the Pembina Institute.
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“Mr. President, no more stalling, no more excuses. Please pick up that pen you’ve been talking much about and make this happen. Americans need these jobs.” — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).
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“Piping the dirtiest oil on the planet through the heart of America would endanger our farms, our communities, our fresh water and our climate. That is absolutely not in our national interest.” — Susan Casey-Lefkowitz, international program director, Natural Resources Defence Council.
— With files from The Associated Press