Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton on Tuesday announced her opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline.
Clinton said she was opposed to the construction of the pipeline during a campaign stop in Iowa, while cable news channels were otherwise fixated on Pope Francis’ arrival in the Washington, D.C.
“I think it is imperative that we look at the Keystone XL pipeline as what I believe it is: A distraction from the important work we have to do to combat climate change, and, unfortunately from my perspective, one that interferes with our ability to move forward and deal with other issues,” she said, as quoted by NBC News. “Therefore, I oppose it.”
Clinton previously declined to state a position on the proposed project, citing her role in evaluating the construction of the pipeline during her tenure as secretary of state.
“This is President Obama’s decision, and I am not going to second-guess him, because I was in a position to set this in motion, and I do not think that would be the right thing to do,” she said at a July town hall in New Hampshire, as quoted by The Huffington Post.
“If it’s undecided when I become president, I will answer your question,” she added at the time.
The Democratic frontrunner acknowledged her delay in stating a position on the Keystone XL pipeline at Tuesday’s event, telling the person who asked her about it: “I feel now I’ve got a responsibility to you and other voters who ask me about this.”
This post has been updated.
So is the President - so why was she complaining that she was trying to wait for the WH to take a stand? Am I missing something here!!
Oh for fuk’s sake She said she opposes it. Now we have to listen to endless BS about her timing and motivation? People, give it a rest already.
I think she was a little slow to step up, absolutely.
What I need to do now is research what she did re: environmental causes while she was in the Senate to see if this is pandering or consistent with her legislative history.
How does Sierra and all the rest of the environmental groups rate her, before this?
ETA: http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/hillary-clinton7.htm
And they also, earlier, applauded her stand for arctic drilling.
As others have said, don’t know what she was waiting for, but at least this isn’t a 180 and has some grounds in her legislative history.
FINALLY!
Why would the US want the Canadian sludge being piped through the heartland, only to be offshored to the highest bidder?
That’s insane!
Brava!