TC Energy announced their decision to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline. The Canadian company said it will immediately begin the termination of the pipeline, which would have extended 1,179 miles from Canada to the Gulf Coast and transported 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day.
“The Company will continue to coordinate with regulators, stakeholders and Indigenous groups to meet its environmental and regulatory commitments and ensure a safe termination of and exit from the Project,” TC Energy said.
The announcement was met with both jubilation and disappointment.
Environmental and Indigenous groups, who opposed the pipeline over concerns it would negatively impact the current climate crisis and communities and environment along its path, called the decision a victory.
“After more than 10 years—we have finally defeated an oil and gas giant!,” the Indigenous Environmental Network said in a tweet. “Keystone XL is DEAD! We are dancing in our hearts for this victory!”
President Joe Biden canceled the pipeline’s permit on the first day of his presidency, which caused TC Energy to halt construction before canceling the project altogether.
But Republican lawmakers blame President Biden for “effectively killing the project,” according to EcoWatch.
“President Biden killed the Keystone XL Pipeline and with it, thousands of good-paying American jobs,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wy.), member of the Senate Energy Committee, said.
While opponents of the pipeline celebrate its termination, they said there is more work to be done.
“The termination of this zombie pipeline sets precedent for President Biden and polluters to stop Line 3, Dakota Access, and all fossil fuel projects,” Kendall Mackey, 350.org campaign manager, said. “This victory puts polluters and their financiers on notice: Terminate your fossil fuel projects now—or a relentless mass movement will stop them for you.”
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