Premier and PM are disappointed with XL denial

Premier Alison Redford issued the following statement in response to the U.S. State Department’s decision on the Keystone XL pipeline:

“I am extremely disappointed with today’s decision by the State Department to reject the Keystone XL pipeline application. We believe the project provides the United States with energy security and thousands of job opportunities.

Today’s decision does not mean that America will consume one less barrel of oil. What it means is this: America will continue to import oil from jurisdictions with much weaker environmental policies and who do not share the same values as Canadians and Americans.

Alberta has always considered the U.S. our strongest and most important trading partner. The State Department’s decision strengthens our resolve to pursue access to alternative markets.

Today’s decision also reinforces the need for a Canadian energy strategy and why Alberta must focus on market diversification with a clear aim to Asia-Pacific.

I have discussed this issue with the Prime Minister on many occasions and we continue to be in constant communications with him.”

The Prime Minister is also expressing his disappointment.  

Harper spokesman Andrew MacDougall said Obama called Harper to break the news, but also to point out that TransCanada was free to submit an amended plan.
    
“The president explained that the decision was not a decision on the merits of the project and that it was without prejudice, meaning that TransCanada is free to re-apply,” MacDougall said.
    
“Prime Minister Harper expressed his profound disappointment with the news. He indicated to President Obama that he hoped that this project would continue given the significant contribution it would make to jobs and economic growth both in Canada and the United States of America.”
    
Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver says the project would create thousands upon thousands of jobs in both countries and provide energy security in the U-S.
    
Oliver adds it’s clear the process is not over and Ottawa is hopeful the project will be approved in the future.

“Our Government respects the right of the United States to make its own decisions.  However, it is clear that the process is not yet over and we are hopeful that this project will be approved in the future based on its merits,” said Oliver.