In what many consider a blow to the energy industry, President Barack Obama announced that his administration would block the Canada to Mexico Keystone XL Pipeline. While the pipeline would not have come through Wyoming, it could potentially have played a role in more quickly moving Wyoming-drilled crude elsewhere.
The rejection of the pipeline was a long-time coming, with most votes on the matter falling along party lines. The President’s decision, and Wyoming’s representatives’ statements, are no exception.
Wyoming’s congressional delegation is not happy with the administration’s announcement.
“The president’s decision will make it exceedingly more difficult to build infrastructure projects of all kinds in the future,” Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. “Now, whenever a group of activists decides to oppose another pipeline, road, bridge, rail or port project, they will pull out the Keystone playbook and have confidence that even public officials of the highest rank can be convinced to put politics ahead of facts.”
“After years and years of stalling President Obama has finally made his decision,” said Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo. “The Keystone XL Pipeline was a golden opportunity to help increase American energy security, create jobs, and grow our economy. The President has chosen to throw it all away to buy political points for his upcoming Paris climate talks, forcing the American people to pay the price.”
“This Administration has proven itself time and time again to be the most anti-energy administration in recent memory. This announcement falls right in line with the disastrous policies they have put in place,” Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said. “With the rejection of the pipeline the Administration is rejecting the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and proving that keeping energy prices affordable for our nation is not a priority. Our country is inventive and resourceful. We can both pursue new energy sources while seeking to make traditional energy greener, but actions like this tell me this Administration would rather take the politically easy way out. There are better ways to approach energy policy and I hope more people begin to see this soon.”