Keystone XL Report Deeply Disappointing, Misguided

KEYSTONE XL REPORT DEEPLY DISAPPOINTING, MISGUIDED

Statement from Elisabeth MacNamara, President of the League of Women Voters

Washington, DC – “We are deeply disappointed by the Environmental Impact Statement report released today by the U.S. State Department on the Keystone XL (KXL) Pipeline project. We strongly believe that if this project is approved it will have a negative impact on the delicate ecosystem of America’s breadbasket, contribute harmful greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change, and increase America’s dependence on foreign oil.

“By assuming that Canada will exploit its dirty tar sands no matter what, the report reaches the misguided conclusion that the pipeline will not have a terrible effect on the climate. 

“We need international action on climate change, not irresponsible action by Canada, spurred on by the U.S.

“The League urges Secretary Kerry and President Obama to put the health and safety of Americans, and of the world, ahead of blind reliance on fossil fuels and support for development of Canada’s tar sands. 

“Granting a permit for the pipeline would be inconsistent with meaningful action on climate change, one of the most serious threats to the environment of our nation and our world. The life-cycle of greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline produced by Canadian tar sands are significantly greater than those of gasoline produced by conventional sources.

“We also hope that the State Department and President Obama will consider the safety of our drinking water and groundwater resources. These resources could affect thousands of Americans in the heartland and threaten the safety of our food supply.

“We urge President Obama to protect people, not polluters, as he makes the final decision on this dangerous pipeline project.”

Contact: Kelly Ceballos, [email protected], 202-263-1331

###

“Like” the League on Facebook.   Follow us on Twitter: @LWV.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.