The Obama administration is prepared to reject the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, The Hill reports. The proposal from TransCanada Corp. would construct an oil pipeline from Alberta’s oil sands to Texas. The White House has long disapproved of the project, which has become an intense election issue.
Environmentalists and many Democratic legislators have opposed the pipeline out of concern over greenhouse gas emissions, while Republicans have viewed it as a means to improve energy independence and create jobs.
While the White House is expected to reject TransCanada Corp.’s application for a permit, it will allow the company to reapply at a later time.
The U.S. State Department is expected to issue an announcement at 3 p.m. today. House Speaker John Boehner is expected to hold a press conference in response later in the day.
