Because the Calgary-based company now has decided to apply to the Nebraska commission, Girling added, “We feel under the current circumstances, a similar suspension would be appropriate.”

Construction industry groups and labor unions have long sought the project’s approval, which, they say, would provide thousands of jobs. Environmental organizations oppose the pipeline, contending that it would worsen carbon pollution and is not in the national interest.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a strong Keystone supporter, criticized the Obama administration for “its failure to make a decision [on the project] until it becomes someone else’s problem or until those who are attempting to invest in new American jobs simply give up.”

But Tiernan Sittenfeld, League of Conservation Voters senior vice president for government affairs, said TransCanada’s request for a pause while the Nebraska commission deliberates on the route is a just an attempt to delay a ruling on the project until a potentially more sympathetic president is in office. Sittenfeld said in a statement, “President Obama and Secretary Kerry have all the information they need to reject this dangerous pipeline, and we are counting on them to do just that.” 

Links:

 TransCanada information on project

TransCanada information on project