WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to deny a permit to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline.
The Rhode Island Democrat wrote to the secretary of state after Nebraska’s Supreme Court tossed out a lawsuit challenging the pipeline’s route Friday. Whitehouse says he’s appealing to Kerry because the decision on the pipeline must ultimately be made by the State Department since it would cross an international border.
The pipeline would carry tar sands oil from Canada to Gulf Coast refineries. Congressional Republican leaders say its approval is a top priority. The House passed legislation authorizing it, despite a veto threat from the White House.
Whitehouse says the pipeline will exacerbate climate change and isn’t in the national interest.
