Keystone XL pipeline rejection is a major victory for clean water

American Rivers applauds the President’s decision to reject the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

January 18, 2012

Washington — The Obama Administration today rejected the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline, which would carry oil 2,000 miles from Canada to Texas.

The pipeline and its dirty oil would have put clean water sources at serious risk and exacerbated the harmful impacts of global climate change. The pipeline would have crossed major rivers, including the Missouri, Yellowstone, and Red rivers, as well as key sources of drinking and agricultural water, such as the Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies two million Americans.

The president of American Rivers, Wm. Robert Irvin, made the following statement:

"Today, President Obama took a stand against Big Oil, and for clean energy, clean water, and a healthier future for Americans.

I applaud the President’s decision to reject the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.  Big Oil and their allies in Congress were pushing to force approval of the pipeline without adequate scientific review and for political gain.  We should never put politics ahead of clean water for Americans.

Clean water is the lifeblood of our communities. A dirty oil pipeline that threatens our clean water is not the clean energy solution our country needs. Americans want 21st century solutions that ensure our energy security while safeguarding our health and environment."

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American Rivers is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Since 1973, American Rivers has fought to preserve these connections, helping protect and restore more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide. Visit www.americanrivers.org, www.facebook.com/americanrivers and www.twitter.com/americanrivers.