State Department Says GOP Bill Could Kill Pipeline

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says a Republican bill to fast-track approval of an oil pipeline from Canada could lead to the project’s demise. In a statement Monday, the State Department warned that congressional interference with the Keystone XL pipeline could backfire. The State Department has authority over the project because it crosses an international border.

The statement said that if Congress imposes an arbitrary deadline for a permit decision, it could prevent the administration from meeting environmental laws that govern the approval process. In that case, officials say the department would be unable to make a determination to issue a permit.’

GOP lawmakers back a bill to require approval of the pipeline within 60 days. They say the Canada-to-Texas pipeline will help create jobs without taxpayer money. The proposed route of the pipeline takes it through eastern Smith County.