Washington, D.C.– The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement commending President Obama for rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline proposal:
“Stopping the Keystone XL Pipeline from being built is great news for our climate, which means it’s great news for all Americans. By denying Keystone’s permit, the President is prioritizing the health of our planet and its people over shortsighted energy policy and corporate profits.
“Building a pipeline through the heart of our country so a Canadian company can export dirty tar sands to China is not the right way to address our energy needs or create jobs. We don’t need to invest in dangerous and destructive projects like Keystone XL to build a stronger economy. Today’s announcement that unemployment has fallen to 5% for the first time since the Great Recession is proof of that. Instead it is time to capitalize on the huge potential for creating good jobs in the transition to clean and renewable energy.
“The Keystone pipeline would have threatened our land and water, and would have been a major contributor to climate change. Rejecting Keystone XL is a step towards protecting our planet today and protecting our children’s future tomorrow. Thank you to the countless activists and organizers who fought to stop the construction of Keystone, and thank you to our President.”
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