By U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams (R-Fla.)

I am greatly disappointed by President Obama’s decision to once again put his political priorities before the best interests of the American people and our nation’s struggling economy.  By rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline project, the president said no to the creation of 20,000 new jobs and the potential for 118,000 spin-off jobs. With 13 million Americans out of work that is simply inexcusable.  Not only did he say no to a project that could put people back to work, but he also missed an opportunity to lead on our nation’s energy security.

The pipeline project received an outpouring of support from both Democrats and Republicans, more than 100 business groups, and even the president’s own Council on Jobs and Competitiveness endorsed the idea as a job creator.  As the president passes on this opportunity, reports have indicated that Canada is in discussions with China to market the energy resources overseas.

Additionally, the Keystone XL pipeline has been in review for more than three years, giving the president and his administration plenty of time to review the project.  It is evident that President Obama’s decision to reject the pipeline was clearly politically motivated, rather than policy driven.

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