Obama threatens to veto Canadian pipeline

The White House is threatening to reject a bill approving a Canadian pipeline if it passes through Congress. Oil firm TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline would be a 1,200 mile extension […]

The White House is threatening to reject a bill approving a Canadian pipeline if it passes through Congress.

Oil firm TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline would be a 1,200 mile extension to an existing pipe network that transports oil from Canada to the US.

US President Barack Obama would veto any bill trying to push through the oil project, officials said on Tuesday.

In a briefing, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said: “I can confirm for you that if this bill passes this Congress the President wouldn’t sign it either.”

He added: “Now, the thing that is impeding a final conclusion about this pipeline is the fact that the pipeline route has not even been finalised yet, that there continues to be an outstanding question about the route of the pipeline through one part of Nebraska and that’s related to an ongoing legal matter in Nebraska.  Once that is resolved, that should speed the completion of the evaluation of that project.”

Responding to the comments, President and CEO of TransCanada Russ Girling expressed frustration that “the bar continues to move again and again” to get permission for the pipe.

In a blog, he said: “To be clear this is just a pipeline. Not the first. Not the last – just a safe and reliable pipeline that delivers energy Americans need. It’s time to make a decision.”

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