Political Quotes

“I thank the Presiding Officer. Mr. President, let me say that I rise in general opposition to the Keystone Pipeline, and I rise in favor of Senator Markey's amendment. After long and careful deliberation--and after having had the benefit of a hearing on the pipeline in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee--I have decided to oppose this bill for four basic reasons. First, on the bill, I am deeply concerned that if approved this pipeline will be the first of many pipelines opening one of the largest sources of carbon on Earth to exploitation. Second, contrary to what many believe, I am convinced this pipeline will simply not enhance, help or--in any positive way--improve our energy profile. Third, in my view, it is completely absurd for Congress to take the role of permitting pipelines. It is a role we have never assumed and should not assume now. Fourth, I believe it is ridiculous that our Republican colleagues insist on language banning eminent domain for national parks legislation but oppose it when it comes to foreign or private projects such as Keystone. Furthermore, we cannot underestimate the environmental impacts of this pipeline. The facts are clear. The resource in Alberta is enormous; the tar sands formation is the size of Iowa; tar sands oil is 17 percent more greenhouse gas intensive than other forms of oil because it takes an enormous industrial process to extract it.…”