U.S. President Barack Obama rejected TransCanada Corp.’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline project on Friday. Here is some of the reaction to the decision:
“The Canada-U.S. relationship is much bigger than any one project and I look forward to a fresh start with President Obama to strengthen our remarkable ties in a spirit of friendship and co-operation.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in expressing his disappointment to the decision.
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“We both agreed that our close friendship on a whole range of issues, including energy and climate change, should provide the basis for even closer coordination between our countries going forward.” U.S. President Obama commenting on his discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the decision.
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“Today, misplaced symbolism was chosen over merit and science — rhetoric won out over reason.” TransCanada Corp President and CEO Russ Girling in a statement.
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“We are extremely disappointed that President Obama succumbed to domestic political pressure and rejected the Keystone XL pipeline.” Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose.
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“The decision today underlines the need to improve our environmental record and hence our reputation so that we can achieve our goal of building Canada’s energy infrastructure — including pipelines — to new markets.” Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
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“Given the facts of the project as canvassed by the U.S. State Department, this decision is more about U.S. domestic politics than it is about good environmental policy.” Statement from Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
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“Addressing climate impacts is the new normal for major energy infrastructure projects. President Obama noted that he spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about his decision, and the prime minister certainly recognizes this fact.” Simon Dyer, Alberta director for the environmental group the Pembina Institute.
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“We are thrilled our Nebraska landowners’ seven-year nightmare has ended, and proud to have designed and implemented the legal strategies identified by the president to initially delay decision on KXL and that helped defeat this assault on constitutional rights of the hardworking ranchers and farmers of this state.” Brian Jorde, spokesman for Nebraska landowners who went to court to prevent the pipeline from going through their land.
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“This rejection sets an important new precedence in the run-up to the Paris climate summit. We have hope that the prime minister will accept that we cannot protect the climate and approve new pipelines at the same time. Doing so is a contradiction.” Statement from Adam Scott, spokesman for Environmental Defence.
“Clearly we’re disappointed in today’s decision. Keystone XL is important infrastructure not only for producers in the US Bakken and Canada as it would provide expanded connectivity to the Gulf Coast, but also for US refiners as it would provide security of supply from a long-time energy provider and trading partner.” Steve Williams , Suncor President and CEO.