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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement after the Obama Administration delayed until after the 2012 election a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline.  The pipeline would bring Canadian oil to the United States.

 TransCanada agreed to move the pipeline to a route more favorable to the wishes of Nebraska. Officials in Nebraska have indicated they could complete a thorough environmental review in approximately six months to get the project back on track.  However, even if Nebraska and TransCanada agree on a new route a state department spokesperson has said that nothing will change because of an agreement.

“The President’s delay on the Keystone XL pipeline is disappointing. Construction of Keystone XL would create an estimated 20,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 additional spin-off jobs for businesses nationwide,” said Rep. Latta.

As a result of the President’s decision Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has already met with Chinese President Hu Jintao to discuss China’s interest in importing oil from Canada.  This would require building a pipeline to Canada’s West coast, rather than across the Southern border into the U.S., where the oil would be loaded onto barges and shipped to Asia.

“Giving one of America’s largest economic competitors access to abundant, reliable oil from one of America’s closest allies and largest trading partners is inexcusable.  Especially when it means we have to continue to import oil from some countries that aren’t our friends. Plain and simple, the decision is a lose-lose situation for Americans.  To use the President’s words, Americans ‘can’t wait’ until he is done campaigning to get back to work,” added Rep. Latta

On Tuesday, Congressman Latta met with the Premier of Alberta, Canada, Alison Redford about the project.