Speaker Boehner's website has provided a list of Democratic lawmakers who have made public statements criticizing the leader of their own party, Barack Obama on his political decision to reject the Keystone pipeline from Canada.
A chorus of criticism is being directed at the White House for rejecting 20,000 Keystone pipeline jobs, and by a surprising group: members of the president’s own party. The White House is not just taking heat from labor unions, governors and editorial boards, but also Democrats in Congress who say the president’s decision to play politics with tens of thousands of American jobs is “disappointing and frustrating.” Here’s more:
- Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT): “As I said before, families in this country want elected officials to address the jobs crisis and restore economic growth. This project is estimated to create thousands of high-paying jobs and will provide access to an affordable, secure source of energy. … This delay is just playing politics with American jobs and American energy security.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
- Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA): “The rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline permit is a missed opportunity to drastically turn this economy around. This pipeline would have created thousands of new jobs and helped to ensure our energy independence.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
- Rep. Gene Green (D-TX): “I am very disappointed in the President’s decision today. … Any further delays by the Administration only prolong our dependence on oil from nations that are hostile to us and could encourage the Canadians to sell their product elsewhere.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
- Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR): “U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott on Wednesday criticized President Obama’s decision to reject the permits to construct the Keystone XL Pipeline … ‘We need jobs and we need jobs now. Building and opening this pipeline are commonsense, straightforward actions our government can take to create private-sector jobs, boost economic development and lower the price of fuel for all Americans,’ said Ross.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
- Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY): “‘With conflicts overseas driving up prices at the pump and so many Americans out looking for work, I am deeply disappointed that the White House has formally rejected the Keystone XL pipeline permit,’ said Owens. ‘As we work toward a long-term renewable energy program, beginning construction on the Keystone pipeline is the right short-term solution for the nation’s energy concerns and putting Americans back to work.’” (Press Release, 1/18/11)
- Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT): “I am disappointed in the President’s decision.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
- Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT): “We've done three years of analysis and worked hard on strict environmental considerations — now it's time to move forward on the jobs and energy security our nation deserves, and I'll keep fighting tooth and nail until that happens.” (Great Falls Tribune, 1/19/12)
- Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV): “President Obama’s decision on the Keystone XL pipeline is a major setback for the American economy, American workers, and America's energy independence. … I respectfully urge the President to reconsider this decision.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
- Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK): “America needs more affordable energy and the jobs its development would produce, so the Obama administration’s decision to deny or delay the Keystone Pipeline project from moving forward is disappointing and frustrating. I’ll continue to push the administration to approve this jobs-creating project.” (Press Release, 1/18/11)
- Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR): “I strongly disagree with President Obama’s decision to postpone the Keystone pipeline project. This project will sustain and create jobs in the United States.” (Press Release, 1/18/12)
[Update] Around the web today on Obama's Keystone decision includes, Wapo with "Obama's Keystone pipeline rejection is hard to accept";
The Politico with "Nebraska governor: ‘The president made a mistake’";
Heritage with "House Committee to Consider Bill to Advance Keystone Pipeline."
Recent related posts by WuA:
Obama Rejects Keystone As Obama's Jobs Council Says Expedite Projects Like Pipelines
Obama To The American People:
Keystone XL Pipeline: Since Obama Is Dragging His feet, Canada Looks To Asia To Sell Energy Supplies
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