North Cook News

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Dist. 9) released a statement late last week after President Obama rejected the plan for the Keystone XL Pipeline project.

“I strongly support the president’s decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline," Schakowsky said. "As I have consistently said, Keystone XL is all risk, no reward, and I have consistently opposed its construction."

Schakowsky detailed her concerns with the Keystone XL Pipeline project, including the oil passing through the Ogallala Aquifer, which provides drinking water for millions and 30 percent of U.S. irrigation water. The proposed pipeline would have transported oil from the Alberta tar sands in Canada to Texas, where it would be refined and exported to foreign markets.

With the rejection of Keystone, Schakowsky proposed that the U.S. instead focus on public water infrastructure and existing oil pipelines. By investing in clean public water and repairing or replacing leaking oil pipelines, many jobs would be created, Schakowsky said.

“I’d like to thank the millions of Americans all over the country – from college students, to Native American populations, to farmers and ranchers, to leading environmental advocacy organizations – who made this decision not only possible, but obvious. Their tireless efforts have allowed all Americans to take a big sigh of relief.”