We’ve had our eyes glued to the news on the Keystone XL pipeline delay all day. Here are some of the responses from different sides of the issue that we found most informative, inspiring and even entertaining. I’m not sure we can interpret the tealeaves on what today’s news means for the outcome of the pipeline. However, it’s hard not to agree with Tom Steyer: “This is rotten eggs for TransCanada and good news on Good Friday for those who oppose Keystone as not being in our nation’s best interest.” In a battle between dirty oil profiteers and their cronies and those interested in a livable planet (you know, the rest of us), every day without this disastrous tar sands project is a pretty good day.
Jane Kleeb, Bold Nebraska director, the quote that’s just so right on: “Nebraska landowners will not give up their property rights with bad contract terms and unknown chemicals risking our water. This delay is yet more proof this project is not permit-able and not in our national interest.”
The State Department, the quote that tells you what actually happened today: “On April 18, 2014, the Department of State notified the eight federal agencies specified in Executive Order 13337 we will provide more time for the submission of their views on the proposed Keystone Pipeline Project. Agencies need additional time based on the uncertainty created by the on-going litigation in the Nebraska Supreme Court which could ultimately affect the pipeline route in that state. In addition, during this time we will review and appropriately consider the unprecedented number of new public comments, approximately 2.5 million, received during the public comment period that closed on March 7, 2014.”
Rachel Wolf, spokesperson for All Risk, No Reward Coalition, the quote that reflects our sentiments exactly: “Every day without Keystone XL is a day that we keep high-carbon tar sands in the ground. The latest postponement “confirms, yet again, that this project is not permit-able. This export pipeline fails the climate test, fails the jobs test, and doesn’t even have a legal route.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, the quote that made us a chuckle. [Try not to read too much into Senator McConnell’s trite environment versus jobs positioning. We know that’s a canned press strategy with no factual accuracy. But focus on how he affirms the power of our movement in the only way he can]: “Apparently radical activists carry more weight than Americans desperate to get back on the job.”
Bill McKibben, the quote that gets straight to the point: “One point is clear: without a broad and brave movement, DC would have permitted this dumb pipeline in 2011. So on we go.”
The State Department, the quote with so many words that says so little: “The permit process will conclude once factors that have a significant impact on determining the national interest of the proposed project have been evaluated and appropriately reflected in the decision documents. The Department will give the agencies sufficient time to submit their views.”
Russ Girling, TransCanada Corp Chief Executive, the quote that takes facts the least seriously: “It is unfortunate that interest groups and paid activists are blocking energy security, saying no to jobs, and creating a situation that actually leads to higher GHG’s (greenhouse gases) and greater public at risk.”