TPPF Issues Statement on Keystone Pipeline Decision

This is the press release issued from Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin. It comes from Kathleen Hartnett White, Director of the Armstrong Center for Energy & the Environment

“The Administration’s denial of the 1,700-mile Keystone XL pipeline to transport Canadian oil to refineries in the U.S. is a huge loss to the national economy, and especially to Texas. Many refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast have been configured to process this now-abundant oil from the tar sands of Canada.

“The Administration’s claim that Congress forced a premature decision is without merit. The project has been under review by federal agencies for several years, and the route and design of the Keystone pipeline has been scrupulously planned to minimize any environmental risks. With massive, enduring economic benefits and minute risks, the Keystone pipeline is a genuinely shovel-ready project that would create tens of thousands of jobs in several states. In stark contrast to the false promise of Solyndra-like green jobs created by billions of taxpayer dollars, private investment would create the Keystone jobs, adding rather than subtracting from taxpayer’s pockets.

“After 40 years of dependence on imports from countries hostile to U.S. interests, North America stands of the verge of becoming a net exporter of oil. The Administration’s denial of the Keystone pipeline stymies this achievement, and is a blow to the still-fragile economy.”

Kathleen Hartnett White has impressive credentials in the area of energy and environmental policy. She has a background in ranching, as well. Currently she and her husband partner in a ranching operation.

Prior to joining the Foundation, White served a six-year term as Chairman and Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). With regulatory jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, water rights & utilities, storage and disposal of waste, TCEQ’s staff of 3000, annual budget of over $600 million and 16 regional offices make it the second largest environmental regulatory agency in the world after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Prior to Governor Rick Perry’s appointment of White to the TCEQ in 2001, she served as then Governor George Bush appointee to the Texas Water Development Board where she sat until appointed to TCEQ. She also served on the Texas Economic Development Commission and the Environmental Flows Study Commission.

I have had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Hartnett White speak on more than one occassion and she brings experience and common sense to these pressing issues. That's something Washington, D.C. could use a lot more of, if you ask me.