![\"\"](\"http:\/\/therationalprogressive.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/1110-WASHINGTON-PIPELINE-PROTEST.jpg_full_380.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In a statement Thursday, Obama stressed the importance of \u201cstrengthening our nation\u2019s energy security\u201d while addressing both the environmental and procedural concerns raised by critics.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause this permit decision could affect the health and safety of the American people as well as the environment, and because a number of concerns have been raised through a public process, we should take the time to ensure that all questions are properly addressed and all the potential impacts are properly understood,\u201d Obama said. \u201cThe final decision should be guided by an open, transparent process that is informed by the best available science.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Keystone XL project is essentially a 1,900-mile extension of an existing Canadian-operated pipeline. The current Keystone pipeline stretches 1,850 miles from Alberta to Illinois and went into operation in 2010. The $7 billion project would create of the largest oil pipeline in North America and\u00a0was to be completed by 2013.<\/p>\n