Keystone XL - The Temporary Cease Fire

Environmentalists and Clean Energy advocates from across the country are expressing appreciation along with a proper dose of apprehension at President Obama’s statement this week that, at least temporarily, puts the brakes on the XL Pipeline. Here is the official statement from the White House:

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

January 18, 2012

Statement by the President on the Keystone XL Pipeline

Earlier today, I received the Secretary of State’s recommendation on the pending application for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.  As the State Department made clear last month, the rushed and arbitrary deadline insisted on by Congressional Republicans prevented a full assessment of the pipeline’s impact, especially the health and safety of the American people, as well as our environment.  As a result, the Secretary of State has recommended that the application be denied.  And after reviewing the State Department’s report, I agree.   

This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people.  I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil.  Under my Administration, domestic oil and natural gas production is up, while imports of foreign oil are down.  In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico – even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas.  And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment.

While the president’s statement offers welcome relief for those who have been fighting tirelessly to protect our environment from the devastating effects of an almost certain “accident” and those who are standing firm in the cause of moving our country’s economy away from fossil fuel dependency; the statement stops well short of ending this “disaster in waiting.” Indeed, rather than defend the country’s environment and lead us into a clean energy future, President Obama says, “This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people.” and the goes on to say, “In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico…”

And so, at least through the ongoing election cycle, we can feel somewhat comforted in the “cease fire” created by an overreaching Republican Party; we must not forget that this is only that – a short respite in which the forces should be reinforcing and mobilizing for the battle ahead.

Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue