Washington, D.C.—The Center for American Progress issued the following statement today on the State Department’s Keystone XL pipeline announcement:
The State Department’s announcement that it will take the time to carefully examine alternative Keystone XL pipeline routes is essential to protect the Sand Hill region over the Ogallala Aquifer from pipeline leaks. The aquifer is life blood for farmers in eight states. Any analysis of alternative routes must ensure that the entire Ogallala is protected, as well as other vital water resources, particularly the Missouri and Mississippi River watersheds.
President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton deserve credit for this upcoming thorough scientific review and for listening to the concerns raised by citizens about the threat posed by the Keystone Pipeline. With this important step underway, the administration now has the opportunity to address the fundamental question inherent in building this pipeline anywhere, including the significant increase in carbon dioxide pollution that an expansion of oil sands production would create.
President Obama has done more than any previous president to reduce oil use and carbon dioxide pollution, with modern fuel economy standards being the most significant step. These oil savings and pollution reductions will spur innovation in the transportation sector, create jobs, and protect people from pollution. They are vital for more sustainable future economic growth. A strategy of continued investment in innovative technology and use of domestic resources from enhanced oil recovery to natural gas to advanced biofuels will produce more investment, more jobs, cleaner fuels, and a more sustainable future for our country.
To contact experts on the issue, please contact Laura Pereyra at 202.741.6258 or [email protected].
###