WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) today released the following statement in response to the State Department’s announcement that the national interest determination period for the Keystone XL pipeline has been put on hold:
“Let me guess. It’s Good Friday afternoon and the Obama administration again announces more delays and bad news. Once again, in this so-called ‘year of action,’ the Obama administration has hit the pause button on jobs and affordable energy. All Keystone XL requires is a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ but after over 2000 days, the administration is still incapable of making a decision, putting politics ahead of jobs - not exactly a profile in courage.
“By the day, international developments and unrest, from Ukraine to Nigeria to Venezuela, are putting the spotlight on energy security and the need for a stable North American energy supply. And rising energy prices here at home are putting a strain on household budgets, particularly for the country’s most vulnerable. Now more than ever, we are in desperate need of leadership and conviction. Punting on this decision is not the solution America wants or needs.
“The facts are clear that Keystone XL is in the national interest, but this administration is going to extraordinary lengths to block the landmark project. A ‘yes’ on Keystone is long overdue. The House has done its part in passing legislation to approve this jobs and energy project. Now that the administration has put this project on hold indefinitely, the Senate must act to approve Keystone now."
