Maryville, Illinois – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s long-anticipated rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline:
“President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline today is based upon neither the facts nor our national interest. It’s nothing but a shameless political move to appease his radical, anti-fossil fuel base. The reality is, as President Obama’s own State Department concluded, construction of KXL would actually cut the carbon emissions he so frequently urges action to reduce, and create thousands of good paying jobs Americans continue to demand.
“Here in Illinois, the original Keystone pipeline safely carries crude oil from Alberta to the Wood River Refinery and Patoka tank farm. This pipeline has supported high paying jobs in our area since 2010, and Keystone XL promised to do the same for thousands more American workers. Because of President Obama’s decision today, those jobs will be created overseas instead.”
