Daines: Latest Keystone Delay Shows Obama More Focused on Politics than Montana Jobs

Press Release

Representative Steve Daines today decried the Obama administration's decision to halt the progress of a long-awaited review of the Keystone XL pipeline, noting that the President's continued refusal to approve the construction of the pipeline is a direct barrier to Montana jobs and energy production.

"President Obama has made it abundantly clear that he will do everything possible to block this job-creating project--once again choosing political expediency over the needs of the American people. The Keystone XL pipeline would create hundreds of good Montana jobs and grow Montana's energy sector by providing needed infrastructure to support production on Montana's Bakken oil field," Daines stated today. "Montanans have waited far too long for the President to act-- that's why I helped introduce and pass legislation to take approval out of President Obama's hands, and allow for the Keystone XL pipeline to be approved. Unfortunately, the Senate has refused to take up this common sense bill for nearly a year--instead standing by the President's refusal to put Americans back to work and approve this shovel-ready project. Enough is enough--no more delays, no more excuses. It's time for the Senate and the President to get serious about creating American jobs and build the Keystone XL pipeline."

Daines has been a vocal proponent of the Keystone XL pipeline and has been spearheading efforts in the House to approve the pipeline's construction. He serves as a lead co-sponsor of the "Northern Route Approval Act," which would allow construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, bypassing the need for President Obama's approval. While the House passed the bill with bipartisan support last May, the Senate has failed to bring the bill forward for a vote.

Source