Pingree Backs Legislation that Would Block Fast-Track Approval for Tar Sand Oil in Portland Pipeline

Press Release

As Congress gets set to take up a controversial bill that would allow the backers of the Keystone XL pipeline project to bypass numerous environmental and regulatory requirements, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree isbacking legislation which would make sure those same shortcuts would not apply to the Portland-Montreal pipeline. The operators of the pipeline have talked about reversing the flow so tar sands oil from Canada could be pumped to Portland Harbor.

"The bill we are taking up this week is irresponsible and risky and sets a dangerous precedent by letting the company behind the Keystone XL pipeline skip important environmental regulations," Pingree said. "I'm adamantly opposed to the bill but if Republicans succeed in getting it through the House it should at least include language that makes it clear that it doesn't apply to the Portland Pipeline."

Pingree is backing an amendment written by Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter of New Hampshire to H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, that clearly states that nothing in the bill should be construed to apply to the Portland-Montreal Pipeline. Congresswoman Annie Kuster of New Hampshire is also cosponsoring the bill.

The Keystone approval bill that House Republicans will bring up for a vote this week would short-circuit a number of key requirements, including the need for a Presidential Permit.

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