Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below regarding today’s vote in the Senate on legislation to force the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, which failed by a vote of 59-41. 60 votes were required.
“The Keystone pipeline isn’t any normal pipeline. It would transport Canadian tar sands oil, which is one of the dirtiest fuels on earth. It would only create about 35 permanent jobs – all while contributing to the harm carbon pollution is doing to our atmosphere and oceans – problems we have to live with in Rhode Island. Furthermore, this bill would set a dangerous precedent by undermining the Administration’s authority to ensure the project is in our national interest. I’m glad the Senate rejected this bill today, but it’s clear that Senate Republicans will continue to try to force this issue in the new year. I’ll keep fighting to prevent this bill from passing, and I hope the Obama Administration will ultimately decide to reject the Keystone pipeline, and veto any efforts to steamroll orderly process.”
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