Green America Joins Colleagues to Deliver Business Leaders' Letter to White House, No to Keystone XL Pipeline, Yes to Renewable Energy

Today, businesses across the nation urged the White House and State Department to conduct an honest, thorough assessment of the Keystone Pipeline. In a letter organized by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and coordinated by Green America, business owners and their supporters raised concerns about the potential economic and environmental consequences of the pipeline's construction. Representatives from 350.org and Green America, which, among others, helped gather the letter's 810 signatures, joined ASBC for its delivery to the White House.

"We were very pleased to see the Administration wisely choose to reexamine the details of the pipeline," said Fran Teplitz, Director of Social Investing & Strategic Outreach for Green America, one of ASBC's founding organizations. "We are confident that unbiased studies incorporating realistic economic and environmental data will conclude that the Keystone XL pipeline should not be constructed."

Because a recent study from Cornell University predicted significantly fewer jobs and economic benefits than TransCanada's projections, the signers requested that the State Department include updated and more realistic forecasts in its assessment. The requested criteria included the number of permanent jobs created and jobs lost. The groups also stated the need for strong transparency measures to ensure the public is aware of the data informing the Administration's decision-making.

"We were of course thankful the State Department did not rush into a bad decision based on flawed and overly optimistic projections. The Keystone Pipeline still raises serious concerns, especially from a business perspective. Keystone should not be able to impose its environmental costs onto the American people and we find it hard to believe it would move forward if assessed realistically," said Mitch Rofsky, Chair of New Voice of Business, one of the letter's signers. "Keystone needs to be required to cover the full remediation and economic cost of any potential leaks through insurance or a bond. The tar sand fuel involved should also be taxed to cover its environmental impact. No analysis should approve the pipeline unless these costs are included."

The business owners also encouraged the Obama Administration to make the development of our nation's clean energy economy a top national priority.

"We don't need another BP oil spill," said David Levine, ASBC's co-founder. "We need the federal government to strategically invest in the growing renewable energy market, especially at a time when the over-subsidized, fossil fuel industry is losing jobs and job growth nationwide has flattened. It's time we say 'no' to supporting outdated energy projects."

About American Sustainable Business Council

The American Sustainable Business Council is a growing coalition of business networks and businesses committed to advancing a new vision, framework and policies that support a vibrant, equitable and sustainable economy. The Council brings together the business perspective, political will and strength to stimulate our economy, benefit our communities, and preserve our environment. www.asbcouncil.org