Friends of the Earth statement on Keystone XL delay

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The State Department announced today that it will provide agencies more time to comment on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project, in the wake of uncertainty about the pipeline’s route. This extended comment period results from a February ruling in Nebraska that struck down a state law giving Gov. Dave Heineman authority to approve the route of the pipeline.

Ross Hammond, Senior campaigner for the climate and energy program at Friends of the Earth, had the following comment:

This decision shows the power of the movement against the Keystone XL pipeline by the people of Nebraska and activists all across the country. Whether President Obama makes a decision on the pipeline next month or next year, Keystone XL clearly fails the president’s climate test. This delay shows that TransCanada will not succeed in bullying their way to approval, bypassing established democratic procedures. Further analysis will only confirm how risky this pipeline is to the health of the American economy, environment, people, and our climate.

Contact:
Ross Hammond, Senior campaigner, climate and energy program, (415) 559-5082, [email protected]
Kate Colwell, Communications specialist, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]