The US State Department on Friday asked other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, to present their views by February 2 on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project so that the government can conclude their assessment on the controversial project.
The State Department has invited views and their assessment report cards from eight federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency Commerce, Interior and Homeland Security departments, to conduct a comprehensive review of the controversial pipeline project by TransCanada Corp on whether it will be in the national interest and serve beneficiary for the Americans.
A State Department official said, “Once we have received all of the information needed for completion of the review, that information has been analyzed, and the final documents have been prepared, a determination will be made.”
The pipeline project, which intends to carry the Canadian oil to refineries along the US Gulf Coast, has become a bone of contention between the Obama administration and the Republican-dominated Congress.
A bill for the pipeline has been passed by the House and the Senate is scheduled to hold voting on the proposed project this month.
Republicans are backing the Keystone XL pipeline and pushing the project saying it will create more jobs as well as offer energy security for the country.
On the other hand, the Obama administration is skeptical about its sustainable gains and has questioned how beneficial the pipeline will be for the United States.
Hence, the Obama government has sought the State Department to complete its comprehensive review of plans for the pipeline project before coming to a final decision.
Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has also threatened to use his veto power during the Senate voting in case the State Department review doesn’t gives green signal to the Republicans- sponsored Keystone XL pipeline project.
Share this:
