Rehberg’s Bill to Stop President’s Keystone Decision

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By Nicole Grigg

Story Published: Jan 25, 2012 at 11:53 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 26, 2012 at 3:37 PM MDT

BILLINGS - U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) is co-sponsoring a bill that would take away the President's authority to decide on the Keystone XL pipeline.

His fellow Republican, Congressman Lee Terry of Nebraska, introduced the bill in the House Wednesday, which would transfer authority over the 1,700-mile long pipeline to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The State Department says the bill raises serious legal issues.

Rehberg says he, "stands with the majority of Montanans who just want the federal government to get out of the way and let the private sector create badly needed jobs."

Senator Jon Tester's office reacted Wednesday by saying in a statement that the Democrat "doesn't think bringing in yet another federal agency will solve the problem."

Montana's senior Senator Max Baucus says he is "looking at every option possible to move the pipeline forward." All of Montana's congressional delegates support the project that would cross eastern Montana as it transports crude from Canada to refineries in Texas.

The President blocked the $7 billion project in late January saying the administration didn't have enough time to review an alternate route that avoided environmentally sensitive areas of Nebraska.

TransCanada plans to re-apply for the federal permit. The governor's office says it would create 1,200 construction jobs in Montana. The State Department overseas the project because it crosses an international border.

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katie said on Thursday, Jan 26 at 5:05 PM

I agree with Obama's decision. All it will bring in are construction jobs..not everyone can work construction and there are so many of us trying to get jobs but the ecnomy is so bad we cant. Make jobs available for those who severly need it..Anyone can work fast food or retail, not construction.

Au Contraire said on Thursday, Jan 26 at 1:51 PM

Unconstitutional, nebrask did not stop the pipeline, a far left wing environmental group made a big stink after it had already been approved by the epa, state department and this administration. They then backpedaled after the protesting. Nebraska's governor said he would pay for a new study that could be completed by August for an alternative route around the ogalala aquifer.

unconstitutional said on Thursday, Jan 26 at 1:21 PM

unconsitutional denny, but great electioneering. remember Nebraska stopped this for the time being.

MTdave said on Thursday, Jan 26 at 9:09 AM

I think we need the oil, reduces imports from our enemies, creates jobs, profits....pipeline will be built using the latest safety technology. Besides, there are thousands of miles of pipelines under the ground already...nothing is without risk but overall this would be good for American. I hope Rehberg is successful.

Ndlily said on Thursday, Jan 26 at 8:56 AM

I don't think Rehberg has talked to the ranchers this would actually affect. It's another quick money maker for someone, with any potential problems, and there are lots of them, dumped on the landowners and the state. But I guess we know whose back pocket Rehberg is in.

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