WASHINGTON - November 7 - Sen. Bernie Sanders issued the following statement today after the Department of State inspector general notified him that it is conducting a special review of the State Department's handling of a controversial proposal to build an oil pipeline from Canada to Texas: 

"The State Department inspector general has informed me that it is reviewing the department's handling of an environmental impact study related to the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project. I appreciate the inspector general's responsiveness to our request and the willingness to treat this important matter, and the allegations of conflicts of interest, with the seriousness it deserves. This is a critically important issue for our environment and the energy future of our country.  At a time when all credible scientific evidence and opinion indicate that we are losing the battle against global warming, it is imperative that we have objective environmental assessments of major carbon-dependent energy projects.

"I once again urge President Obama to defer any decision on the pipeline until the State Department investigation has been completed."

To read the inspector general's letter to Sen. Sanders, click here.

To read inspector general's memorandum, click here.