Keystone now just political Kabuki theater, says Senator; Markey will still push export amendment to call oil industry’s bluff

WASHINGTON (January 6, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who has opposed the Keystone XL pipeline and forced numerous votes on amendments to bar the export of oil transported by the Canadian export pipeline, today praised President Obama for his stance that he would veto legislation approving the pipeline should it reach his desk. Senator Markey will continue to push for his amendment on the bill to assure the American people that any oil transported through the pipeline will stay in America for consumers and businesses.

Below is the statement of Senator Markey:

“Now that President Obama has said he will veto the latest attempt by Republicans to approve the Keystone pipeline, Keystone is now just political Kabuki theater.

“With gas prices falling, and domestic oil supplies rising, one has to wonder why Congressional Republicans would use their first chance to prove they can get things done on a Canadian export pipeline that is dead before it ever even gets a vote. The American people are expecting jobs that last and an energy policy that moves America forward, not giveaways to big oil that send our resources to foreign countries and worsen climate change.

“I will continue to push for my ‘keep the oil here’ amendment that calls the oil industry’s bluff that Keystone will do anything for our energy independence by requiring that any oil that is transported through Keystone pipeline stays in America for consumers and businesses.

“Americans should not assume all of the environmental risk, including to our climate, only to see some of the dirtiest oil on the planet shipped through the United States to China and other foreign markets. And even if my amendment passes, President Obama should still veto this bill and I am happy that he has indicated he would do so.”