In Hopeful Sign, EPA Slams State Department for 'Insufficient' KXL Review

[ashling]

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/04/23-2

On the final day of the Keystone XL public comment period for the State Department's draft supplementary environmental impact statement (SEIS) of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a sharply critical assessment declaring the analysis "insufficient."

Ruptured Enbridge Pipeline from Kalamazoo Spill,(Photo: NTSB) The EPA's objection is important, as the Washington Post explains, because it "not only provides opponents [of the pipeline] with political ammunition," it could also "force President Obama to directly weigh in on the permitting decision" if the EPA raises similar objections to a possible 'national interest determination' by the State Department.

"As long as no other agency objects," the Post continues, "State can issue a ruling on the pipeline on its own; if EPA challenges the national interest determination the State Department makes at the end of its review process, Obama himself would have to issue the final permit decision."

[LiberalAndProud]

1. There will be no ambiguity about where the buck stops if that's the case.`

I hope my predictive powers are on the fritz. I am not optimistic that Obama would nix the pipeline if given the opportunity. I hope I'm wrong. I hope for it fervently.

[joeybee12]

2. Sadly, I don't think he will, either...nt

[newfie11]

3. I think your both right