President Barack Obama vetoed legislation that approved construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
After Congress passed the bill earlier this month, Obama made goodon his many promises to veto the bill Tuesday afternoon. The action marked only the third veto of Obama’s presidency, although most predict many more to come.
The president has consistently expressed his opposition to the legislation, even referencing it in his January State of the Union address. The White House has argued that the State Department should finish its assessment of the pipeline, as the project may not create as many jobs as supporters have claimed.
Opponents of the pipeline have highlighted the potential for a negative environmental impact, as it may increase carbon pollution and could spill into an aquifer that provides much of the freshwater in the Great Plains agricultural states.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who made passing the bill a top priority after Republicans gained control of the chamber in November’s elections, has framed the measure as a “jobs bill.” Even if Obama rejects the bill, “the new Congress won’t stop pursuing good ideas,” McConnell said.
Read the remainder of this article on CNBC’s website…
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102450322
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102449591
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102449982
