The Obama administration preparing to delay decision on $7 billion pipeline, from Alberta, Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast

By JOHN M. BRODER and DAN FROSCH

The New York Times

 

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is preparing to delay a decision on the contested Keystone XL pipeline while it studies an alternate route, effectively pushing any action past the 2012 election, officials and lobbyists who have been briefed on the matter said on Thursday. An announcement is expected as early as Thursday afternoon.

 

…..The $7 billion pipeline, which would run from Alberta to the Gulf Coast, has generated intense opposition from environmentalists and public officials in Nebraska, who claim that it threatens sensitive lands and underground water supplies along its 1,700-mile route. Critics also say that the heavy oil extracted from sand formations in Canada will add to climate change and extend American dependence on fossil fuels.