Political leaders and energy officials in Oklahoma are roundly criticizing President Barack Obama's decision to reject a Canadian energy company's application to build the Keystone XL pipeline.
Gov. Mary Fallin called the decision "mind-boggling," saying the pipeline would drive economic growth.
“It continues to be absolutely mind-boggling that President Obama and his administration will not approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. It’s an important driver of economic growth and even President Obama’s State Department says it will create over 42,000 jobs. It will also support North American Energy production, which is good for both our economic security and our national security."
Reps. Frank Lucas, Markwayne Mullin and Jim Bridenstine said the pipeline would create thousands of jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association executive vice president Arnella Karges said the decision continues the administration's "war on fossil fuels."
The pipeline would have carried oil from Canada to Nebraska to connect with existing pipelines. A southern leg of the pipeline began carrying oil from Cushing to the Gulf Coast in 2014.
