Some Democrats upset as Barack Obama punts a decision on the Keystone Pipeline until after the 2014 election
Back when the Keystone Pipeline was first in the news Barack Obama decided to delay a decision on this issue until after the 2012 election and he had the perfect cover to do so; he wanted to wait until an environmental impact study was completed before he made a decision.
Naturally he wanted the report to state the pipeline would be devastating to the environment because that would make his decision an easy one, a decision that most people would not argue with.
Well, the report came back and it determined that the Keystone Pipeline would not significantly harm the environment, this of course was not the result Barack Obama wanted so what did he do? Nothing, he has been sitting on the report and yesterday he punted the issue indefinitely which means no decision will likely be coming before the 2014 election.
The Keystone Pipeline already has bipartisan support in the Democratic controlled Senate (already voting 62-37 on a non-binding amendment to approve the pipeline) and according to this story many Democrats who are facing reelection in red states are not too happy with Barack Obama’s decision not to decide.
Just days earlier, 11 Democratic senators had written to President Obama urging him to make a final decision by the end of May, complaining that the process “has been exhaustive in its time, breadth and scope.”
Here is what Mary Landrieu had to say:
One of the letter’s signatories, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who is in a tough re-election fight this year, said the decision amounts to an “indefinite delay” of the project.
“This decision is irresponsible, unnecessary and unacceptable,” she said. “By making it clear that they will not move the process forward until there is a resolution in a lawsuit in Nebraska, the administration is sending a signal that the small minority who oppose the pipeline can tie up the process in court forever. There are 42,000 jobs, $20 billion in economic activity and North America’s energy security at stake.”
And this from the left-leaning Politico:
Alaska Sen. Mark Begich and other Democratic Keystone backers expressed outrage at the administration’s decision — which was pretty much all they could do.
“I am frankly appalled at the continued foot-dragging by this administration on the Keystone project,” Begich said in a statement. “Today’s announcement means we’ll miss another construction season and another opportunity to create thousands of jobs across the country.”
Both articles explain how this has put Barack Obama between a rock and a hard place, but here is a quick quote which sums it up:
Democrats are sharply divided. Moderate Democrats, as well as labor unions, are pressing the State Department to give the thumbs-up, calling the project a jobs engine and a way to boost energy security. But environmental interests, and lawmakers allied with them, are strongly opposed — citing its alleged impact on climate change and possible health risks.
One such environmentalist, California billionaire Tom Steyer, has been vowing to back vulnerable Democrats with big money if they oppose the pipeline. He called the latest announcement “good news on Good Friday for those who oppose Keystone as not being in our nation’s best interest.”
Barack Obama would have had to decide which special interest group to support and which one to oppose–the unions or the environmentalists–and he was not willing to make such a decision before the election. He must be cursing that State Department report right about now!
America's Watchtower 
Interesting isn’t it. He is willing to jeopardize losing the senate over this.
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His true colors are showing even though he is trying to hide them.
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Reblogged this on Brittius.com.
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Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
Happy Easter, to you and the family.
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Happy Resurrection Day!
(Steve please check you spam folder again for me, Thanks!)
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And Happy Easter to both of you as well.
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The Nebraska problem is what kicked the Keystone pipeline up to the Federal Government years ago. The whole problem is still there. The “XL” pipeline just looks like a shortcut from the original pipeline. When built it will ship tar sands oil to the Gulf and out to the World Market. Mostly China who has invested heavily into it in Canada. A very small portion will be used domestically.
There is also a big problem with Eminent Domain and that is the crux of the problem. Giving a Private Company the power to build a Pipeline in your backyard. There have been lawsuits throughout Texas and other States for the same reason.
America is becoming a MegaCorp. Do the homework. It’s pretty crazy how much power has gone to Corporations after the Supreme Court ruling on money donations. The Billionaires who whine about how Obama is ruining America while during the same time period they have doubled their wealth. It’s scare tactics.
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I wonder which ‘of his Lords’ is he following with this decision. Some say the Oil Czars and that he’s actually going against the Bankers/Globalist. If you have some info on that, that would be helpful! There’s a connection: partnership between TransCanada and ConocoPhillips – but is it also TPP related?
Some says it would bring in 20k job other only 2k (that’s hardly a ‘bucket full’ when it comes to the amount of lost jobs in this Nation (‘purposely designed employment downsizing).
Some say 7 states of America would be used as a transporting oil (tar sand) to the ports where it would be shipped away (meaning America people don’t profit from it at all).
Why do this when there’s oil right here in the states (http://www.indexmundi.com/united_states/oil_exports.html exported). ‘U.S. exported more gasoline than imported last year’
It all seems goofy to me. We have oil here that is restricted by the gov. not to pump, but it’s okay to consider a pipeline from N to S thru America.
“Keystone pipeline, raised a series of concerns about alleged sub-standard materials and poor craftsmanship along the Keystone pipeline.” – See more at: http://www.corporatewhistleblower.net/?p=637#sthash.vS2RteEn.dpuf
The ‘political environ. concerns’ we can toss away as NOT being the reason for the hold up.
It’s just MORE CRAZINESS to me Steve. Who wants to live by the pipeline that profits only a few – and do people really believe the cost of gas would go down! yeah right – liars. Maybe you can explain to me better! 🙂
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Putting two links in a comment is what got this one flagged as spam. My filter is set to hold comments with two links in moderation, sorry about that. Why can we not drill for more of our own oil here? That is a great question isn’t it? We look at the economies of states like North Dakota and Texas and see they are doing well because of the oil industry and yet the Feds and the environmentalists hold us back every chance they get.
Another reason why it would be great if those nine states could get their land back from the Feds.
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BOMBS (Barack Obama Muslim Bull Shit) is a better word choice than punts, don’t you think?
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That works!
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