Delegation Responds To Keystone XL Pipeline Veto

The veto of a bill to build a nearly 3,000 mile pipeline from Canada through the United States drew a stinging rebuke from the state’s congressional delegation Tuesday.

President Barack Obama vetoed Senate Bill 1, which would support the building of the Keystone XL pipeline.

In his veto message to the Senate, Obama cited concerns over environmental issues among other reasons for the veto.

“I am returning herewith without my approval S. 1, the ‘Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act.’ Through this bill, the United States Congress attempts to circumvent longstanding and proven processes for determining whether or not building and operating a cross-border pipeline serves the national interest.

The Presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously,” Obama said. “But I also take seriously my responsibility to the American people. And because this act of Congress conflicts with established executive branch procedures and cuts short thorough consideration of issues that could bear on our national interest – including our security, safety, and environment – it has earned my veto.”

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., said the bill would have benefited the economy, while other lawmakers said the decision was inexplicable.

“The Keystone pipeline would bring a reliable supply of energy into our country – providing opportunity, creating jobs and lowering the cost to ship goods, products and crops. The idea that Congress is sidestepping the normal process is out-of-touch with reality,” Boozman, who cosponsored the bill, said. “This project has been studied for more than six years and has been given the green light at every obstacle. Arkansans and all Americans can see that President Obama is the real hurdle to Keystone. I will continue to support this project, and I urge the Senate to quickly vote to override this veto.”

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark, said the veto was wrong on multiple levels.

“President Obama’s veto of a bipartisan bill approving the Keystone XL Pipeline is regrettable. But what’s more concerning is his continued tendency to put his liberal allies ahead of America’s best interests. Arkansans and all Americans deserve better. The Keystone XL Pipeline would lower energy costs for all Arkansans, create and sustain jobs at Welspun Tubular, and provide our businesses with much needed certainty. I will continue to put Arkansas workers and families first and advocate for approval of this important project,” said Cotton.

The veto also drew opposition from House members.

“In a move that defies logic, the President has chosen to appease his far left supporters and ignore the common welfare of our Nation, through North American energy independence, billions in private sector investment and good careers for our hard working families,” Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said. “The production of Keystone XL has already produced over 600 jobs in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District, and completion of the project was expected to create tens of thousands more jobs across the country, while having a minimal impact on the environment and supporting American energy. The President’s veto is indicative of a leader who is unwilling to compromise – even in situations where failure to do so is not in our long-term interests as a country. Despite the President’s unwavering stance, I remain optimistic that Congress can continue to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that we finally build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, used an analogy to describe the decision.

“Today, President Obama showed his cards – instead of being willing to work with Congress in a bipartisan fashion, he folded to extreme environmental groups, putting radical interests above those of honest Americans, their jobs, and their economy,” Womack said.