Smith calls Keystone XL rejection a ‘loss for Americans’

U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), chairman of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, condemned President Obama’s decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline, arguing that it was influenced by environmental extremists and that it will cost jobs.

“The president’s decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline is a win for environmental extremists, but a loss for Americans,” Smith said. “Years of independent analysis have clearly shown the project would not exacerbate carbon pollution. This administration routinely dismisses sound science in favor of its extreme environmental agenda.”

According to Smith, the State Department used analyses including environmental impact assessments, public comments and public and interagency dialogue to determine that the pipeline would be safe and pose a minimal threat to surrounding resources. Smith’s committee and other government agencies also conducted extensive reviews in the six years since the project was submitted for a Presidential Permit.

“In rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline, the president said no to 40,000 new energy jobs,” Smith said. “Americans are paying attention. This administration would rather pander to its allies than approve a project that creates thousands of jobs and promotes American energy independence.”