WASHINGTON, D.C. — Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement that he will direct the State Department to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline only if it will not increase greenhouse gas emissions:
“If President Obama trusts his own State Department’s analysis, then he will approve the Keystone XL pipeline. The State Department’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement found that building Keystone will have no significant impact on the environment.
“The President has repeatedly committed to following the well-established process for reviewing the Keystone XL pipeline; now it appears that the President is changing the rules of the game. His decision will send a clear message to American workers as to whether he really cares about jobs, and it will send a clear message to our allies as to whether America is a dependable and trustworthy friend.”
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.