Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Fortenberry Opposes Artificial Timeline on Keystone XL Pipeline Decision

July 26, 2011

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today voted against HR 1938, a bill that would place a November 1 deadline on a final permitting decision for the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline, which would cut through the Nebraska Sandhills and sit atop the Ogallala Aquifer. He released the following statement:

"I have consistently said that the State Department should be allowed the appropriate time to conduct a thorough environmental review. Congress should not impose an artificial deadline. This is too serious.

"Additional public meetings are scheduled, giving citizens a chance to be heard. The State Department has indicated a probable decision by year's end. Haste is not necessary and may rob us of important facts. We should permit a complete and effective environmental impact analysis."

Last week in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Fortenberry voted against an amendment that urged the Secretary of State to "promptly authorize" the Keystone XL pipeline. His comments from the committee debate can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEqCT_yaDtE. 

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