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API: We can't wait any longer for Keystone XL

Obama administration fails leadership test on pipeline, group says.

By Daniel J. Graeber

WASHINGTON, June 17 (UPI) -- The American Petroleum Institute said the time for waiting for the administration of President Barack Obama to decide on the Keystone XL oil pipeline is over.

"The administration has demonstrated it lacks the political leadership to take the steps necessary to make U.S. energy security a reality," API President and CEO Jack Gerard said in a statement Monday. "We cannot stand by while the administration waits -- and waits -- until it is politically convenient to do the right thing."

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API said Senate leaders are expected to vote Wednesday on a measure to build the pipeline.

Pipeline planner TransCanada submitted an application for a permit to build Keystone XL across the U.S.-Canadian border more than five years ago. President Obama said he'd weigh the pipeline against its environmental footprint.

Those in favor of Keystone XL said it will provide a layer of energy security and be a source of economic stimulus for the North American economy. Opponents worry the heavier grade of oil meant for the pipeline is too great of an environmental threat to support.

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