Response to News of Keystone XL Reroute

In response to the news that the Obama Administration will be requesting a 12-18 month review for the Keystone XL pipeline, effectively killing the project according to most analysts, Tar Sands Action had the following reactions:From activist Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org who spearheaded protests against the pipeline:

"A done deal has come spectacularly undone. The American people spoke loudly about climate change and the president responded. There have been few even partial victories about global warming in recent years so that makes this an important day. The president deserves thanks for making this call-it's not easy in the face of the fossil fuel industry and its endless reserves of cash.

Six months ago, almost no one outside the pipeline route even knew about Keystone XL. One month ago, a secret poll of "energy insiders" by the National Journal found that "virtually all" expected easy approval of the pipeline by year's end. As late as last week the CBC reported that TransCanada was moving huge quantities of pipe across the border and seizing land by eminent domain, certain that its permit would be granted.

"The president should know that nothing that happened today changes our position-we're unequivocal in our opposition. If this pipeline proposal reemerges from the review process intact we will use every form of nonviolent civil disobedience to keep it from ever being built.

"We take courage from today's announcement. It's an unspoken salute to the power of people who come together in the open to demand action; it gives us some clues about how to fight going forward."

From Jane Kleeb, founder of BOLD Nebraska, who led pipeline protests in the state:

"President Obama is making the right and tough decision. We hope he continues to consider climate, health and the impacts of extreme energy like tar sands on our land and water while creating a path to real energy independence. The bottom line is, when President Obama stands up to big oil, we stand with him."