Georgia’s senators blast rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline

WASHINGTON — Georgia’s U.S. senators on Friday blasted President Obama’s decision to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline that would have brought oil from Canada through the United States.

The pipeline for TransCanada Corp. would have moved more then 800,000 barrels a day from Alberta’s shale oil fields. The project would have linked existing pipelines in Canada and the U.S. to move oil from Alberta and North Dakota to Illinois refineries and then to the Gulf Coast.

The White House said that project would not have reduced gas prices and would not have increased U.S. energy security. Earlier this week, Keystone officials had asked the Obama administration to delay any decision on the pipeline’s fate.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said Obama made “the wrong decision for America by rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline.”

“Today’s action means that we will be missing the opportunity to be an energy-independent nation,” Georgia’s senior senator said. “The American people are still struggling in today’s economy, and they expect and deserve Washington to cut red tape to unleash America’s energy resources.

“This project would create American jobs, ensure America’s energy security and reinforce relations with our largest trading partner. Building the Keystone XL pipeline is an important step toward meeting these goals.”

Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said Obama was placing political special interests ahead of the public good.

“Let’s be honest, President Obama was never serious about working with Congress to unleash our energy resources,” Perdue said. “For years, it’s been clear the Keystone Pipeline would have jumpstarted the economy, helped lower energy costs for families, and created good paying jobs.

“President Obama’s politically motivated decisions put special interest groups and his liberal climate agenda ahead of working middle class families, and today’s decision to reject Keystone is no different. I will continue to fight to grow our economy and unlock our nation’s full energy potential.”