This release was issued under a previous government.

“On behalf of the people of Alberta, I welcome further progress towards a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline.

“As the safest, most secure and responsible energy supplier to the U.S., Alberta applauds the U.S. Administration for the extensive, exacting and comprehensive review of potential environmental impacts from the project.

“I had the opportunity to speak today to U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobsen and Gary Doer, Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., where I reinforced Alberta’s efforts to place strong environmental policy and clean technology development on an equal footing with a healthy energy sector and plentiful job opportunities for the middle class.

“This was a message I carried with me on my recent mission to Washington D.C. And it is a message that our government will continue to reinforce as we redouble our efforts and our resolve to break bitumen barriers, get our products to market and position Alberta as a strong and secure place for global investment.

“I am also pleased to see that the State Department acknowledged Alberta’s environmental leadership, including reference to the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan, a comprehensive land-use plan for the oil sands region that sets out strict triggers and limits through environmental frameworks, and sets aside a significant amount of protected land.

“The Keystone XL Pipeline is a critically important project for our economies and to North American Energy Security.

“As I have said many times before, we respect the U.S. decision-making process and fully expect the President’s final decision will be extremely well thought out and based on science and fact.

“I believe today’s report is another step in that direction.”

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Stefan Baranski
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
780-919-3898 (cell)
[email protected]