WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today issued the follow statement on the Keystone Pipeline.

“Today’s decision by the Administration amounts to nothing short of an indefinite delay of the Keystone Pipeline. This decision is irresponsible, unnecessary and unacceptable. By making it clear that they will not move the process forward until there is a resolution in a lawsuit in Nebraska, the administration is sending a signal that the small minority who oppose the pipeline can tie up the process in court forever. There are 42,000 jobs, $20 billion in economic activity and North America's energy security at stake.

"It has already taken more than five years—1,825 days—to decide whether to permit one pipeline that is only 1,100 miles long when we already have 2.6 million miles of pipeline in our country that connects producers, refiners and consumers. Numerous reports have all given green lights to go, build and construct. This administration continues to say that its energy strategy is all of the above but its actions have been delay at all costs. I plan to use my power as chair of the Senate Energy Committee to take the decisive action to get this pipeline permit approved."