Keystone pipeline backers converge in Washington

News
February 19, 2013

TransCanada Corp took the case for building its Keystone XL pipeline to Washington D.C. Tuesday, marshalling supporters to lobby for the line which "remains vital" to U.S. interests, it said. The pipeline has the support of National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among others, TransCanada said in a media release. The controversial line, which would carry Canadian oil-sands crude to refineries in the Gulf of Mexico, awaits State Department approval. On Saturday, thousands marched in DC to protest it, according to media reports. The fate of Keystone XL rests with the State Department because it crosses the Canada-U.S. border. A decision is expected for later this year. Divided opinions abound; on Monday, a USA Today editorial called for the line's approval, and on Friday News Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Office Rupert Murdoch sent tweets that read in part that Keystone was not needed for energy independence, and would bring "heavy, dirty oil across country" when cleaner energy is available.

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