CALGARY — Dan Woynillowicz, spokesperson for the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of State's announcement regarding additional review of the Keystone XL pipeline:
"By ordering additional environmental review of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, President Obama has made it clear that he has heard the concerns of Americans about environmental protection, climate change, and the need for the United States to create a clean energy future. The fact that climate change will be explicitly considered in the final decision is notable given the higher greenhouse gas pollution associated with oilsands compared to other sources of oil.
"President Obama's decision demonstrates that the regulatory process will be based on the best available information and analysis, and will take into account the views and concerns of American citizens. Then, and only then, will the President be equipped to determine whether the pipeline is in the best interests of the United States.
"This decision stands in stark contrast with the Canadian government's approach to the proposed Enbridge Gateway pipeline that would transport oilsands product to the West Coast. Rather than maintaining an objective perspective on this pipeline, Prime Minister Harper and his cabinet have been actively promoting its approval before public hearings on the environmental impacts of the project have even begun.
"The Canadian government should take a lesson from the U.S. and ensure a broader and more rigorous review of Gateway is completed, including the upstream environmental and greenhouse gas impacts of expanding oilsands development to fill the pipeline."
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Contact:
Dan Woynillowicz
Spokesperson
Cell: 250-551-2072
Julia Kilpatrick
Media Manager
Cell: 613-265-5579
Background:
