Wyden, Merkley applaud Keystone XL pipeline rejection

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said Friday “President Obama did the right thing” by denying TransCanada a construction permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline to carry oil from the tar sands in Canada.

“President Obama did the right thing by putting Keystone XL out of its misery. I’m thrilled this spigot for dirty tar sands is finally welded shut and no longer threatens the climate, endangered wildlife and drinking water,” Wyden said.

“Now it’s up to Congresstoget to work on the real issues facing our environment and our economy: taking bold action against climate change, keeping energy prices low for American consumers, boosting renewable energy and the low-carbon economy, and getting a fair shake for taxpayers,” he added.

Wyden voted against the Keystone XL Pipeline every time it was considered on the Senate floor.

Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after President Obama rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline:

“Rejecting the Keystone XL Pipeline is the right decision for our citizens, this country, and our planet.The Keystone XL Pipeline would have turned on the tap for some of the dirtiest fossil fuels in the world, dangerously impacting our air and climate.

“Scientists have told us time and again that we must transition away from fossil fuels if we are to truly combat climate change. Instead of doubling down on foreign oil, we should accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and craft energy policies that make sense for Americans today and in the future.

“Today’s news is a huge victory for Americans who raised their voices against the Keystone XL Pipeline, and shows how essential ordinary citizens’ calls for action will continue to be in the fight against climate change.”

Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River), meanwhile, issued the following statement following President Obama’s decision to reject the Keystone Pipeline:

“After over seven years of exhaustive review, the President’s decision today is baffling. With the stroke of his pen, President Obama could have approved a project with bipartisan Congressional support that would have created thousands of good-paying jobs, increased North American energy security, and reduced oil shipments by rail. The State Department’s own final review concluded that the project would not increase carbon emissions and that construction would support approximately 42,000 jobs. These are real, good paying jobs for Americans who need them.

“Moreover, this is a slap in the face to our ally Canada, and a win for tyrants like Vladimir Putin who use energy as a weapon against America’s friends around the world. We must continue to develop North American energy to counter the influence of Russia, China, and Iran. While today’s decision is disappointing, I will continue to work on energy solutions that help create jobs, lower prices for consumers, and strengthen America’s energy security.”

Walden has strongly supported construction of this pipeline as part of an “all of the above” energy strategy to promote energy independence and grow the economy. Earlier this year, Walden supported the Keystone XL Pipeline Act (S. 1), which would have immediately authorized the construction and operation of the pipeline. Though it passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support, it was vetoed by President Obama.

The application for the pipeline was first submitted to the U.S. State Department on September 19, 2008. In an environmental review, released on January 31, 2014, the State Department confirmed that construction of the pipeline would support approximately 42,100 jobs.