Political Football: The President's Keystone Pipeline Punt

The Obama administration's postponement of its decision on the Keystone XL pipeline may have more to do with politics than with allowing adequate time to ensure the project's environmental suitability.

Pete Fehrenbach

April 23, 2014

Political Football Obamas Keystone Pipeline Punt

The Obama administration's announcement late last week that it is delaying its final decision on the Keystone XL oil pipeline may have more to do with politics and the upcoming midterm elections than with allowing adequate time for deliberative review to ensure the project's environmental suitability.

That's the gist of recent articles published by U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, and New American.

U.S. News & World Report says the adminstration's postponement "has been seen as a political move from people on both sides of the pipeline debate, as pushing back a concrete decision will shield Democrats before the 2014 midterm elections." The article notes that "the [Democratic] party is split on the issue, with Democrats from states with large oil economies calling for the project’s approval, but other Democrats rejecting it for environmental reasons."

About the Author

Pete Fehrenbach

Pete Fehrenbach, Associate Editor

Focus: Workforce | Chemical & Energy Industries | IW Manufacturing Hall of Fame

Follow Pete on Twitter: @PFehrenbachIW

Associate editor Pete Fehrenbach covers strategies and best practices in manufacturing workforce, delivering information about compensation strategies, education and training, employee engagement and retention, and teamwork. He writes a blog about workforce issue called Team Play.

Pete also provides news and analysis about successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

In addition, Pete coordinates the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.