REGINA – Saskatchewan’s premier says he’s disappointed that legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline may be vetoed by U.S. President Barack Obama.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest says he does not expect Obama would sign any Keystone legislation that reaches his desk.
Brad Wall says he’s not surprised by that position, but still touts his support for the project.
Calgary-based TransCanada has been waiting more than six years for approval of the pipeline, which would carry bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands.
A bill that would have forced Obama’s hand on the issue failed to clear Congress in its final days last year.
But the new Congress that has convened is Republican-controlled and the pipeline bill is to be among the first issues voted on.
Earnest says there is a “well-established” review process that is being run by the State Department that should not be undermined by legislation.