The Trump administration has approved a right of way allowing construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline on U.S. land, moving the project one step closer toward completion after years of political and legal battles.
The segment of land cleared, approximately 46 miles in Montana, is only a small fraction of the overall pipeline but was “crucial” to move the project forward, according to the Associated Press.
“Today’s decision is an important milestone in constructing the Keystone XL pipeline and a great day for the common sense infrastructure improvement in our country,” Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt said in a statement. “President Trump clearly recognizes the importance of having the infrastructure necessary to meet our energy needs and to fuel our economic progress.”
Completing construction of the pipeline would fulfill a campaign promise that President Trump made many times while running for president in 2016.
“I want the Keystone pipeline, but the people of the United States should be given a piece, a significant piece of the profits,” then-candidate Trump said in May 2016. “The federal government is in the way.”
The Obama administration rejected the pipeline, citing environmental concerns despite a report from its State Department casting doubt on environmentalist claims that construction would have an affect on climate change.
The pipeline still has hurdles to clear, Bernhardt’s statement says, but is closer to completion, Montana Sen. Steve Daines said.
“This is good news and moves us one step closer to getting this project done for Montana jobs and our energy security,” Daines said.
