Friday, April 18, 2014

U.S. once again delays decision on Keystone XL pipeline


The Obama administration has once again punted the politically charged decision on the Keystone XL pipeline in a move that will likely delay a final ruling past November’s congressional elections.

The U.S. State Department said Friday it needs to assess the impact of a court battle in Nebraska that could force a change in the pipeline’s route. But the project’s supporters insisted the administration simply didn’t want to make the controversial decision in advance of the November vote. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called the delay “a stunning act of political cowardice.”

In a conference call with reporters, State Department officials said they had no option but to extend the deadline for government agencies to comment on the anticipated environmental impacts of the Keystone XL project because there is no certainty as to what the actual route will be and what local ecosystems might be impacted.  MORE



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