Local Politicians React To Keystone Decision

KFYR-TV | 1/18/2012

The White House`s decision to reject the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline Project has provoked a fervor of reactions from North Dakota politicians.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple felt that the pipeline would be beneficial towards energy independence and job creation. "Our western North Dakota oil producers need access to more pipeline capacity and this project would help them market their production."

Congressman Rick Berg agreed, saying that the decision will hinder job creation. "By rejecting the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, President Obama has once again put politics over getting Americans back to work."

Sen. Hoeven said that the president`s decision was not in the national interest. "At a time when our nation needs jobs, when our economy is stagnant, and conflict with Iran in the Middle East is threatening our national security and may drive the price of gasoline at the pump to $5 a gallon by summer, the President has decided to say no to the Keystone XL pipeline."

The criticisms were not limited to Republicans.

U.S. Senate candidate Heidi Heitkamp disagreed with the President`s decision. "What we need now is greater investment in domestic energy development and production. Projects like the Keystone pipeline won`t just create jobs, they will decrease our dependence on foreign oil from the Middle East and help drive down our crushing national debt."

Transcanada, the company behind the pipeline, says it will apply for a new permit.

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