Reaction was swift and pointed after President Joe Biden sat down at his desk in the oval office to sign his first batch of executive orders, specifically to cancel funding for the Keystone XL pipeline.

Montana Senator Steve Daines issued this statement: “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline which is critical to energy producing states like Montana,” Daines said. “This project will create thousands of jobs, generate tax revenue for local communities, promote North American energy security and independence, and it is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport oil. We must do all that we can to ensure construction moves forward.”

Congressman Matt Rosendale had this statement: “I sent a letter to the President-Elect before he was even inaugurated asking him to please reconsider this job killing action and his actions yesterday are going to have horrible consequences for Montana's economy and our nation's security,” said Rosendale. “I mean, we're going to lose jobs. We're going to lose an incredible amount of tax revenue through some of the most rural counties that are located within the state.”

Governor Greg Gianforte asked Biden to ‘cut through the malarkey and reconsider his decision’.

“A symbolic gesture for your fledgling, hours-old administration, this decision has real and devastating consequences in Montana. With your executive order, gone are the thousands of good-paying American jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to support our local communities and schools, the opportunity to advance America’s green energy infrastructure, and America’s energy security,” Governor Gianforte wrote.

He continued, “Your campaign slogan, “Build Back Better,” would seem to apply to critical infrastructure projects such as Keystone XL pipeline. With its construction terminated, the oil will still reach markets in the U.S. and around the globe. Without a pipeline, though, it will be transported more slowly by trucks and other means, endangering the environment, delaying delivery and making it more expensive for consumers who are struggling to make ends meet amid the pandemic.”

The leaders of the Montana Legislature, Montana Senate President Mark Blasdel and Speaker of the House Wylie Galt also decried Biden’s decision to cancel the pipeline.

“The Keystone XL pipeline would provide a massive boost to Montana's economy by creating hundreds of good paying Montana jobs and generating millions of new tax revenue for Montana's rural communities and schools. The Biden administration’s unilateral decision to shut down the project kills Montana jobs, raises energy costs of hardworking Montana families, and silences Montanans voices on both sides of the aisle. As the leaders of both the Montana Senate and House of Representatives, we urge the Biden administration in the strongest possible terms to honor the bipartisan support for this hugely beneficial project and reverse his current course of action.”

Canada’s Premiere Justin Trudeau also appealed to Biden to allow the pipeline to be completed.

All those voices fell on deaf ears as President Biden cancelled the multi-billion dollar project with the stroke of a pen.

 

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